The main tree is a parent 'something' onto which was grafted a knotted, curly-wurly willow. We lost the grafted top after three years when the storm snapped the top off. This spring the remaining stump (3 feet) sprouted growth from 3 'warts' up its trunk. They've grown very quickly - and tall. Bright green but the leaves are nothing like the original grafted willow. What should I do now? I wish to keep the new bush-looking growth as, while it's nothing like I bought, it is attractive and fills a space. Hope this makes sense - difficult being unable to show you! The tree/bush has added another 3 feet in height to the 3 foot high trunk.
The parent, or "root stock" was probably also some type of willow, because grafts need to be done between closely related species. It was probably not as decorative as the "scion," which is what you lost. Now your root stock has started to grow. Keeping it as a bushy shape is easy enough, all you need to do is keep pruning the shoots to encourage bushy growth. Here is a good article on pruning: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-459/430-459.html
A recently bought Kilmarnock willow is showing signs of rust on the leaves and I would like to know what to do with it preferably without chemicals.
There is an earth friendly fungicide called Green Cure that will take care of rust. It is available on-line at Planet Natural. I use it and love the results. I also love that I am not using any harsh chemicals in my gardens!
I just purchased a home that has multiple bicolored willow bushes. The previous owner states they are Japanese willows. They seem very overgrown, approximately 5-8 ft. tall and 3-5 ft. around. How and when to prune?
This article will help with pruning most willow species: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/how-to-prune-willow-trees.htm
We have discovered a young willow tree all tangled up through a piece of trellis supporting a Clematis. I have just discovered we have a Willow tree in our very moderate sized garden. It is all tangled up with a Clematis. We have recently moved here and have just begun to look at the garden critically. Is there any chance of the willow surviving? We are living in Lincoln just on the City boundary.
The good news is your Willow will most likely survive and grow well. They are quite easy to grow.
Since you do not know what variety of tree you have growing in your yard, determining if the placement in your yard is a bit
tricky. Some varieties can be quite invasive. You will have to determine if it's something you want in it's current location!
Here is an article that may help you with your decision.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/grow-a-willow-tree.htm
You could most likely move the willow to a new location, though you may disturb your Clematis while doing so, it should
also recover.
I have just planted a willow tree about a month ago and it's starting to show leaves. I would like to know what kind of fertilizer to use. What brand of fertilizer would you recommend?
Willows thrive in moist organic-rich soils. You can fertilize with an all-purpose plant food (there are many brands, such as Miracle Gro) in the early spring if your soil is poor and has limited nutrients.
For more information on the care of willow trees, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/grow-a-willow-tree.htm
Will the willow steal water?
How close are the lilacs planted near the willow tree? And how old is the willow tree, the more mature a willow tree the further the root system will reach out from the trunk. Generally speaking, any plantings over a willow's tree's expansive root system will probably compete for water and nutrients, possibly to their detriment. Shade-tolerant perennials and hardy ground covers are typically recommended to plant over a willow tree root zone.
For more information on willow trees, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/grow-a-willow-tree.htm
The tree has four main trunks. It is the result of a early hard freeze one fall. I cut the dead trunk, but "suckers" formed four new trunks. Those trunks are now up to about 5-6 inches in diameter. This spring one of them has brown "caterpillar" shaped buds all over the branches, but no leaves or green buds. The branches seem to be alive because they are still yellow and they are green below the bark. The other trunks have fairly sparse leaves. Should I cut the leafless trunk down, hope it comes back, or cut the tree down?
It does sound as if the tree has a few growth issues.
Pruning could help shape the tree to a more desirable growing pattern.
You could consult a local arborist who may help you determine if pruning will give you the results your hoping for.
I did list several links for you to help you get started.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/how-to-prune-willow-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/grow-a-willow-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm