I Am Attempting To Grow A Corkscrew Willow For Some Shade In My Garden. I Bought It 3 Years Ago At A Boot Sale For £5. It Was 5 Ft

Question

tall. After 3 years it is only 6 1/2 ft tall, so has only gained height of 6 inches per year, when I was expecting it to be at l east 8 feet tall. I have watered it, raised the crown and staked it so am very disappointed. It does look healthy and attractive. Can you tell me why it has not grown much in height? Is the tree in any way poisonous? I saw a gardening programme where the presenter used gloves when working with willow.

Answer 1

This could be due to a lack of nutrients in the soil. They will grow very slowly in this case.

Here are some articles to help you test your soil:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

As far as toxicity goes- They aren't regarded as toxic. You would have to consume quite a bit for it to cause any negative effect at all.

All members of the genus Salix do contain Salicylic acid, nature's Aspirin. It is not concentrated enough to do any harm to you, though.

Here are some articles to help you to provide proper conditions for the tree:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/growing-a-curly-willow-tree.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/treat-peeling-willow-bark.htm