Why the Black Willow Tree Is a Must-Have for Sustainable Landscaping

The Black Willow Tree is a deciduous tree that is famous for its irregular shape. It is the only species in the genus Salix to be found in North America and Europe. It can grow very fast, reaching up to 20 meters high (65 ft). The trunk diameter of this type of tree may vary between 60 cm (24 inches) and 2 m (6.5 ft). The bark is relatively thin, smooth, and dark grey or blackish. They are among the most common trees in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, where they outnumber native trees.

Discover the Beauty and Benefits of the Black Willow Tree

Willow leaves are pretty simple, with two types of leaf shoots on the same tree. They are slender and yellowish-green, about 2 to 5 centimeters (0.79 to 1.97 in) long, but they can reach up to 10 cm (3.9 in). The leaves grow at the base of the stem, which has small, fine roots that help the tree stand upright. The leaves are covered with fine hair along the stems, and they can easily detach from the twig when touched.

The Black Willow Tree produces flowers in late winter or spring before the leaves appear on the trees. They grow in clusters of three to six, and they have a strong fragrance that is very noticeable. Willows are dioecious, meaning each tree has either male or female flowers. Male flowers have four stamens, while females only have two and a three-carpel ovary. The fruit is tiny but can be found in large amounts on the trees after pollination. It is an achene, a small dry fruit with one seed inside. It can be red or yellow when ripe but becomes dark brown soon after pollinating. For this reason, willow flowers are mainly white, so they should not be picked by animals that usually take fruits with high nutritional value.

How to Grow and Care for Your Black Willow Tree

Black willow trees are mainly chosen because of their appearance. Their thin bark complements the tree's silhouette and contrasts well with other species that produce thicker barks. People also like these trees because they grow fast; they can reach up to 20 meters high (65 ft) after only 20 years, which makes them suitable for smaller gardens. They are also used as ornamental trees as they produce a lot of flowers.

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Plant bare root trees during the dormant season in early spring or late fall (November through April). Dig the hole twice as wide as the roots so the soil is well-drained. Position the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level. Fill the hole back with the soil you dug from and water. Maintain soil moisture, especially in the tree's early years, by providing deep, regular watering. Apply a 2-4 inch mulch away from the trunk at the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune trees during the first few seasons to establish strength and resilience, remove damaged branches, and continue maintenance pruning as the tree matures. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and apply integrated pest management practices. Protect young trees from mechanical damage and extreme temperatures with tree guards, and stake them if necessary for support, removing the stakes after one or two years.

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