Salix - Weeping Willow
| The Weeping Willow, Salix babylonica, has long been associated with water. Its long pendent golden-green branches, clothed with narrow mid-green leaves and sweeping down to the water’s edge are a story book picture. When carefully manicured a mature tree can look magnificent. However, these lovely trees should be introduced to the water garden with caution, for they may cause unexpected problems.
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 Salix babylonica
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There are two main concerns when a Weeping Willow is introduced to the water garden. The first is that its all pervasive and vigorous root system may disrupt the pond. The other is its foliage, which contains a substance that is akin to aspirin. This can kill fish if present in sufficient quantities in the pond. It is released as fallen leaves decompose in the water.
The Weeping Willow is naturally a tree of stream and river-sides, where any fallen leaves are washed away and cause no harm. In a pond they can accumulate and toxicity results. Although the Weeping Willow can look splendid, it must have plenty of room.
It does not prune well. Indeed, it only requires manicuring to retain a good shape, rather than any structured pruning. Also bear in mind that its wide-spreading habit also denies life to almost any plants that attempt to grow beneath. This is certainly of concern when willows are established beside natural waterways and ponds where as a result native vegetation is suppressed. All willows increase readily from stem or small branch cuttings taken at most times of the year and rooted in damp soil in the open.
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