Question
QUESTION: I have reasons for wanting to plant a small willow tree (either a weeping willow or a weeping pussy willow) in a spot that gets direct sun only 2-4 hours a day, while getting a fair amount of indirect sunlight the rest of the day.  Would these willows be happy enough with that amount of light?  (I don't need for them to grow appreciably, just to be healthy.)  Thanks.

ANSWER: Weeping willow need full or partial sunlight to survive. Certain tree species are "shade intolerant," requiring full sunlight to regenerate and grow. Willow is one of these. It will grow best in full sunlight.

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QUESTION: I'm a bit uncertain how to put together the notion that the willows need at least "partial sunlight" to survive and that willows are among those trees "requiring full sunlight."  Does this mean that with partial sunlight it will survive but not grow?  Could I have a healthy weeping willow (regular or pussy willow) that nonetheless doesn't grow on the amount of light I described-- i.e. 3 or so hours a day of sunlight plus brightness without direct sunlight the rest of the day?

Answer
Yes it should work. The problem maybe water IF the willows are under larger trees. Willows need more water than other trees. So you may need to add water during dry spells. I think they will live just not grow to the normal size. make sure you mulch around them with not more than 3 inches of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold moisture around the roots.