The Weeping Lace Willow, known scientifically as Salix babylonica 'Crispa', is an elegant and ornamental tree that catches the eye with its unique foliage and graceful, weeping branches. This deciduous tree features finely cut, lacy leaves that are green in the growing season and turn yellow in the fall, providing a delicate and feathery texture to the landscape. The slender branches cascade towards the ground, creating a beautiful, flowing canopy that sways gently with the breeze. The bark is smooth and gray when young, becoming more furrowed and rugged with age, adding to its visual interest in the winter months when the tree is bare.
- Size: Typically reaches 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) at maturity. Spreads 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters) wide, forming a rounded to umbrella-shaped crown.
- Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types including clay and sandy soils.
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially in the first few years after planting and during dry periods.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- Fertilization: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Pests/Diseases: Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases such as willow blight and treat as necessary. Good air circulation helps reduce disease risk.
- Special Considerations: Plant away from sewer lines and foundations, as the roots can be invasive. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the tree healthy and looking its best.