Weeping Willow Tree
Not Growing

Q: We have a willow tree (about 7 ft when planted) in the back of the yard about last September. I was told that it will "grow like crazy" the following spring.

Well the spring came and went, my willow seem to be wilting a bit in August. Now it looks like it is same as when it was planted last year. Any advice?

A: I think your willow somehow did not survive the transplanting process. I find this puzzling because willows generally transplant quite well. You can even take a twig, stick it in moist ground, and it'll root and grow.

It's hard to say without seeing the tree and the situation, but my guess is that something happened to the root system. Either the tree did not receive enough water, or maybe the root system was underdeveloped or undersized when it was transplanted. Again, this is puzzling because willows do transplant so easily.

I'm afraid your willow may not survive. If you want to leave it for one more winter and spring to see if it corrects itself you might, but I would have low expectations for its survival. However, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans ultimately, so you can wait to see what happens.

In the meantime, water once a week, applying about 1 gallon of water over every square foot beneath the tree, and keep your fingers crossed.