A braided willow tree is a unique ornamental plant created by weaving the young, flexible stems of multiple willow saplings, often Salix species, into a single, intricate trunk. This process trains the separate plants to grow together, eventually fusing into a sturdy, visually striking column that supports a crown of foliage. The resulting “living sculpture” offers a focal point for any garden, providing year-round structural interest even when the leaves have fallen.
Choosing the Best Location and Soil Preparation
Selecting the right location is the first step in ensuring a braided willow’s long-term health, particularly because of the willow’s naturally vigorous root system. The tree thrives best in full sun exposure, although it tolerates partial shade. Willows are moisture-loving plants and perform best in water-retentive soil that drains adequately to prevent standing water.
If the native soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and aeration while still holding sufficient moisture. Conversely, sandy soil benefits from peat moss or compost to increase water retention. When planting directly into the ground, maintain a distance of at least 25 feet from household infrastructure, such as wells, septic systems, or water and sewer lines, to avoid potential damage from the tree’s powerful roots.
Planting Techniques for Successful Establishment
When preparing to plant, dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball but at least twice as wide to give the roots ample space to spread into the loosened soil. Carefully place the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring the entire braided portion of the trunk remains above the soil line. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the root mass to eliminate air pockets that could dry out the roots.
Staking the newly planted tree provides necessary support against wind-rock until the root system has fully anchored the plant. Use soft ties to secure the braided trunk loosely to a sturdy stake, allowing for minor movement that encourages trunk strengthening. Immediately after planting, give the tree a deep watering to settle the soil and fully hydrate the roots. For the first few weeks, a daily deep watering schedule is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist while the willow establishes itself.
Routine Watering, Feeding, and General Health
Willows have high water requirements, especially during their first few seasons and throughout hot, dry summer periods. The soil should be kept uniformly moist, but not waterlogged, with deep weekly soakings necessary once the tree is established. Applying a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and moderates soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture build-up that encourages rot.
Once established, the braided willow requires moderate feeding to support its vigorous growth. Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio, in the early spring according to product instructions. Monitor the foliage regularly for signs of common willow issues, including rust diseases or pest infestations like aphids. To discourage fungal diseases, always water at the base of the plant rather than spraying the foliage, and water in the morning so moisture on the leaves can dry quickly.
Preserving the Braided Trunk Structure
Maintaining the unique aesthetic of a braided willow requires specific and consistent pruning focused on the trunk itself. Shoots or suckers will inevitably try to emerge along the length of the woven trunk or below the braid. These growths must be rubbed off or pruned back as soon as they are spotted to ensure the tree’s energy is directed into the canopy and to keep the braided column clean and well-defined.
The plastic or wire tie often securing the braid near the top should be left in place until the multiple stems have successfully grafted together and fused into a single, strong trunk, which may take two or more seasons. Pruning the canopy above the braid is done to shape the crown and manage the tree’s size. Cut back the top growth in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, and then lightly shape the canopy two or three more times during the growing season to maintain a dense, compact form.