Watering the white willow

• White willow origin
• White willow care and location
• Pruning white willow
• Fertilizing white willow
• Watering the white willow

White willow origin

The white willow (Salix alba) is a species of tree and shrub belonging to the willow family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia and occurs in a wide variety of climates. The white willow grows to a height of up to 20 meters and is known for its silvery, glossy leaves and long, floppy appearance. It is a popular plant in parks and gardens. It is also an important commercial tree, as its wood is used for paper and furniture production.

In many cultures, it was revered as a sacred tree and planted in holy sites. In Greek mythology, the white willow was associated with the god Dionysus. Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, and ecstasy. The white willow was often planted in vineyards because its wood was used to make wine containers. The white willow was also seen as a symbol of the transience and changeability of life. In mythology, it was often used as a mourning tree because it was easy to cut and shape, and its branches withered quickly.

The white willow is a dioecious tree that produces both male and female flowers in May. The male flowers are recognizable by their hanging, tubular inflorescences, while the female flowers sit solitarily on the branches.

The leaves of the white willow are long, narrow, and silvery-glossy. They have a curved shape and grow on long stems. Depending on the species, the leaves can be between 5 and 20 centimeters long.

The white willow has small, tubular fruits called capsules. They contain the seeds of the white willow and ripen in the fall.

White willow care and location

White willows thrive best in nutrient-rich, moist to wet soils. Sandy, dry soils are unsuitable. They also tolerate partially shaded locations and can grow in areas with poor soil, as long as sufficient water and nutrients are available. In hot, dry areas, white willows prefer locations with some shade where the soil doesn't dry out too much.

Pruning white willow

Pruning of white willows is usually carried out to promote the health and growth of the plant, improve its appearance, and prevent possible damage from wind or other factors. In spring, Cutting measures This is possible to shape the tree and rejuvenate the crown. To maintain the health of the white willow, dead, diseased, and damaged branches are removed. White willows tolerate pruning very well.

Fertilizing white willow

The white willow does not need much Fertilizerto thrive. It is usually sufficient to fertilize them once a year with organic fertilizer, such as compost or horn shavings. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil before the new leaves sprout in spring. White willows can react sensitively to acidic soils. If the soil pH is too low, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and growth difficulties. In such cases, it may be necessary to adjust the soil pH with calcareous fertilizers. Regular soil tests are recommended to take appropriate measures if necessary.

Watering the white willow

The water requirements of white willows can vary depending on the species, size, and location. In general, white willows have a high water requirement. They are generally well adapted to dry soils and can tolerate dry periods.

However, it is recommended to water regularly during the growth period. GiessenThis is especially true during extended dry periods. During the growing season, the soil around the plant should be kept moist, but not wet. The soil should be watered thoroughly and only re-moistened when the soil driers again. Very dry soils can cause root damage, so the soil around the white willow should be kept sufficiently moist.

With conventional watering, there's a risk that a lot of the water will evaporate or run off before it can reach the roots. A more efficient option is to use tree bath watering bags. Drip irrigation continuously releases water into the soil, allowing the shallow roots to absorb it more easily. This reduces water consumption because it doesn't seep into the soil unnecessarily. The watering bag covers the soil surface and prevents water from evaporating.

Attaching and filling the tree bath watering bag is simple. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and closed with a zipper. In the next step, fill the bag with enough water so that after further adjustment, no wrinkles are visible in the lower area, and then let it dry. let it fill up.