The golden weeping willow tree is one of the more popular trees of the weeping willows. It adds unmatched graceful beauty to water landscapes with it’s long, sweeping, golden branches that flows down to the ground.

The golden willow grows to be an extremely large and spreading tree, reaching heights of 80 feet tall. Most of the secondary branches grow in a downward direction, creating a soft weeping effect which it is renowned for. The trunk has a very distinct brown, corky bark. It has narrow pointed leaves which are yellowish green in color and turns completely yellow in the fall.

It is strikingly beautiful and charming when planted beside a bed of water and letting the branches drape over into the water. It adapts best to damp or wet soils. It adapts equally as well in dry conditions, however it’s roots can sometimes block pipes in their search for moisture. A golden weeping willow should not be planted near any building structure and only in very large lots.

Pruning is necessary for it in order to grow to the shape you desire and to develop a strong trunk. This should be done when the tree is young, around two years of age, by trimming off the suckers near the base of the tree when the tree is dormant in the Fall or Winter. Fertilize the tree only once a year, applying it to the soil and spreading it to approximately 30 feet wide.

The golden weeping willow tree has been known for years to serve medicinal purposes. Native Americans use willow bark to steep as a tea and the bark and twigs can be chewed to effectively relieve the pain associated with headaches. The active ingredient in willow bark is Salicylic Acid, which is the basis of Aspirin.

By nature the weeping willow creates a large amount of dense shade. If left untrimmed, the branches droop to the ground and will block all sunlight. Plants which can only tolerate lots of shade will grow underneath these trees. Only plant weeping willows where there is plenty of space for the tree’s imposing form to spread out. It is not recommended for residential yards but is best located near lakes or ponds for a dramatic graceful effect.

When you get yours and add it to your garden, you and your family are sure to enjoy the beauty and charm that the golden willow tree offers year round.

You can learn more about planting a weeping willow, and get more articles and resources about willow trees by visiting Willow Trees.