When to Plant

• Plant your weeping willow tree as early in the season as possible. The trees should be planted in spring as soon as the soil thaws and can be worked with your tiller, shovel or spade. This early-season planting will give the young tree plenty of time to spread healthy roots deep into the soil before the heat of summer begins to dry it out. By that time, the willow's deep roots will help it absorb water from deep underground, avoiding drought damage in extremely dry summers.
  
  

Planting Instructions

• Choose an area of your garden or landscape that receives at least six hours of full sunlight daily for your willow tree. The soil should be loose and allow excess water to drain yet remain moist after watering. If you are unsure about the health of your soil, add organic amendments such as peat moss, compost or manure to boost drainage and fertility. Dig your plant hole twice the width and depth of the willow tree. Place the tree in the center of the hole, cover the roots with soil and tamp down to eliminate air pockets. The roots should be completely covered as well as the bottom inch or two of the stem.
  
  

Initial Care

• Water is the most important aspect of care to a young weeping willow tree. As the roots spread out, the tree will eventually be able to get its own water from the soil, but for now it relies on you. Water your willow any time the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water deeply, until the soil is uniformly moist around the base of the plant. Stop watering if you see the soil start to form puddles and give the soil time to absorb the excess water.
  
  

Storing an Unplanted Tree

• Planting in summer is dangerous, but possible. Don't plant your weeping willow tree any less than six weeks ahead of the first frost of the fall or winter season. Frost on a young or maladjusted tree can potentially kill it, since it is not well-established in the soil and the roots are not strong enough to draw water and nutrition from the soil during barren months. If you have to store your tree over winter without planting, do so in a dark place with temperatures in the 50s to 60s degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the roots moist.