Are the roots invasive when planting 25 feet from septic lines?
Willow is considered highly invasive and these articles will help you.
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/weeping-willow.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/trees-with-invasive-roots.htm
We are about to purchase a house that has a 40 foot willow tree in the garden that is approximately 40 foot from the house. Is this an issue? I understand the roots of the tree may well exceed the height of the tree and we are concerned that the roots may have impacted to foundations.
Willow trees are definitely known to have invasive roots, so your concern is valid, however there's no way of knowing how extensive the root system is without digging around it. Ideally, the tree should have been planted more like 50 feet away from the house but even then, if it doesn't affect the foundation, there's still a chance it could damage pipes. You could consider installing a root barrier, and this article may help you with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/problem-tree-roots.htm
This article contains more information on trees with invasive roots:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/trees-with-invasive-roots.htm
I bought it from a nursery store and I planted it and within a few days, the leaves turned brown. What can I do? I have had one previously at another house and did not ever see this problem. Does it need more water, or is it just the replanting? I put a fertilizer stake a few feet from it. Is that the cause? Thanks lyerks@aol.com
The browning could be a mixture of stress from replanting, lack of water, and fertilizer burn. It is usually best to let the roots acclimate to their new spot before fertilizing. Remove the dead leaves and keep the area very moist for a few days to see if any new growth appears.
I have 2 willows trees near each other and both are losing their leaves. Do you cut the branches off without leaves? How can I save them?
Test the branches to see if they are dead or alive.
Here is a few ways to determine if the branches are dead or alive.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
I would wait to do any pruning until the tree is dormant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/how-to-prune-willow-trees.htm
I've seen those pinching bugs in my willow tree. Will they kill the tree? how to get rid of them? The bark is peeling. I removed a piece and there were a bunch of those pinching bugs that bite.
This is a type of Borer Insect. They can kill a tree, especially a young tree or a stressed tree.
Trim any branches that are invested if possible and destroy.
You can control with chemical insecticides such as Imidacloprid or Permethrin.
Here is a link with more information.
What is the best time to pant a willow tree in southwest Virginia and what type would be best for a baby's memorial garden?
Fall or early spring are good times to plant new trees.
These articles have more information for you on the care of Willow Trees and other possible trees for your memorial.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/dappled-japanese-willow.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/grow-a-willow-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/watering-newly-planted-tree.htm
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-237/450-237.html
Can tree shoots be kept from re-growing after cutting from main trunk, like spraying with Round Up without hurting tree? I'm tired of spending hours of work cutting them back every year. The trees are over 35 years old.
If your wanting to kill off the main tree, then yes, you can treat the root weed sprouts with a herbicide.
If you don't want to harm the mother tree do not use a herbicide on the root shoots.
You will need to cut them back by hand.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/weed-trees.htm