Weeping willows are great trees to have. They are indigenous to the swamplands and love water. These trees if planted in the right areas can become very nice trees that your kids will love to play on. They are very easy to identify. They are the only tree in the area that have large vine like limbs that reach to the ground. Weeping willows only get one disease that will kill them off. This usually happens when a tree is planted in the wrong areas. Iron Chlorosis is a very serious problem among new willow trees. You will notice the leaves turning yellow in the spring or summer seasons. Then the tree will start to die off. Here are some things to look for in your Weeping Willow:
- Leaves turning yellow
- Die back in the top sections of the tree
Salicaceae family
Common Name: Balsam poplar
Scientific name: Populus balsamifera
Leaves: 2.5-5" long, 1.5-3.5" broad, rounded teeth
Bark: Medium gray color and rugged texture
Height: 110" max
Spread: 30-40'
General info: Often these trees can be seen planted in a pine to form a wind break. These fast growing water loving trees are native to the Minnesota area. These trees are usually found near water sources in the wild. Easily mistaken with cottonwood but have a excurrent shape with a dominate lead.
Pests and diseases: Anthracnose and other boring insects are common issues in poplar trees.
Common Name: Quaking aspen
Scientific name: Populus tremuliodes
Leaves: Nearly rounded, 1.5-3" in diameter, small rounded teeth
Bark: Relatively smooth, greenish-white to gray, thick black horizontal scars
Height: 65-80' tall at max
Spread: 20-30'
General info: A native tree to the United states. This fast growing, water loving tree can grow to extreme sizes at maturity. With trunk diameters often over 8' in diameter and often multi-trunked. This species is well know to make a mess with its excessive cottony seed drop.
Common Name: Weeping willow
Scientific name: Salix babylonica
Leaves: 5-7" long, .5-1" Broad. spear shaped, alternate single leaves
Bark: Light grey bark with fissures and rugged in texture
Height: 40' max
Spread: 55'
General info: Weeping willow originate from the drylands of China. These trees are the perfect addition to any landscape. Like curly willow a new tree can be cultivated by cutting a branch and putting it in the ground.
