| WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE TO PLANT A WEEPING WILLOW TREE? IS A CORKSCREW WILLOW TOO LARGE A ROOT SYSTEM TO PLANT NEAR A PATIO. COULD YOU SUGGEST SOME NICE TREES TO PLANT BY A PATIO & ALONG THE WALKWAY. THE PATIO AREA IS 1100 SF. |
| Weeping willow trees are very large trees at maturity and have roots that will travel great distances in search of water; for these reasons it is not usually a good idea to plant them in a home landscape. They are best left to large parks and similarly spacious areas. While the corkscrew willows are a bit smaller, they are also brittle and tend to break apart in ice and snow, and they too have far-ranging thirsty root systems. So again, I would not recommend this tree in a location where it could potentially cause harm to foundations, pipes, or the like. For a patio tree, many people enjoy a spring bloomer such as the crabapple, redbud, ornamental pear or ornamental cherry. There are some lovely weeping forms to be found among the crabapples and cherries if this shape appeals to you. Another possibility would be the Cornus kousa or kousa dogwood which blooms a bit later in the spring to early summer. Yet another possibility might be a tree to provide light shade for the patio, such as the thornless honey locust. Your selection should be based on looks and also on the growing conditions you have available, including the amount of sunlight, wind, soil moisture as well as soil type. Your local county extension and local nurseries should be able to help you in making a selection that will be healthy and attractive and bring you pleasure for many years. |
