Question
Hi, I've been looking to buy a weeping willow tree to provide shade in the garden. As I was speaking to a person at a nursery, he explained to me that they aren't a good shade tree since they attract bugs and need constant pruning and will ending costing a significant amount of money during the year purely to maintain them. Is this true? Is it a bad idea to get one? I love their branches so I would be sad to discard the idea of getting one. I do also, however, live in Southern California (HOT) and I have awful, awful, awful soil. Thanks!!!

Answer
Hi Serobia, I am in Florida and I know here we have the problem of bugs eating the leaves off in the summer, so a spray is needed.  We use Atomic Grow, which is organic and keeps the plant healthy so the bugs go elsewhere.  They also like water, not to drown in it but extra to keep them happy.  To keep your dream try a small one and see if you can make it grow.  Never give up on your dreams.  kathy