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About Jim Hyland
Expertise
I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.

Experience
34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.

BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology
Registered Forester
Certified Pesticide Appicator
 
   

You are here:  Experts > Homework Help > Trees > Trees > willows and sun

Trees - willows and sun


Expert: Jim Hyland - 9/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have reasons for wanting to plant a small willow tree (either a weeping willow or a weeping pussy willow) in a spot that gets direct sun only 2-4 hours a day, while getting a fair amount of indirect sunlight the rest of the day.  Would these willows be happy enough with that amount of light?  (I don't need for them to grow appreciably, just to be healthy.)  Thanks.

ANSWER: Weeping willow need full or partial sunlight to survive. Certain tree species are "shade intolerant," requiring full sunlight to regenerate and grow. Willow is one of these. It will grow best in full sunlight.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm a bit uncertain how to put together the notion that the willows need at least "partial sunlight" to survive and that willows are among those trees "requiring full sunlight."  Does this mean that with partial sunlight it will survive but not grow?  Could I have a healthy weeping willow (regular or pussy willow) that nonetheless doesn't grow on the amount of light I described-- i.e. 3 or so hours a day of sunlight plus brightness without direct sunlight the rest of the day?

Answer
Yes it should work. The problem maybe water IF the willows are under larger trees. Willows need more water than other trees. So you may need to add water during dry spells. I think they will live just not grow to the normal size. make sure you mulch around them with not more than 3 inches of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold moisture around the roots.

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