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The austree hybrid willow (Salix matsudana x alba) is a fast-growing tree that creates lush, evergreen privacy screens. The trees can grow as much as six feet per year, filling out a hedge in their first season. Austree willows are a cross between the corkscrew willow (S. matsudana) and the white willow (S. alba).
Austree willow trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.
The trees require little to no pruning when grown in a hedge formation.
The hybrid species reaches its mature size after only six or seven years.
Although willow hybrids prefer at least six hours of sun a day, they can grow with as little as four hours daily.
Watering
Water several times a week for the first year. After that, water only when it is dry or during drought conditions.
Fertilizing
Fertilize each spring when growth emerges. Use a slow-release balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.
Planting and Care
by Alex Smith | Urban Horticulture Specialist – last update on December 2, 2021
Planting instructions
Austree willow trees prefer a planting location that receives full sun or partial shade. They also enjoy well-draining soil and plenty of water — an area with an abundance of natural rainfall will suit them well. When you’ve found your planting site, dig a hole to the depth of the root ball and twice as wide. Place the tree in the hole, keep it upright and level, and backfill the hole with soil. Tamp the earth down lightly and water the planting site thoroughly. Add more soil if settling occurs.
Watering and nutrients
Due to their vigorous growth, austree willows are thirsty trees. For the first few weeks after planting, water the tree daily, ensuring that the moisture reaches deep into the roots. Once the trees are established, you can scale back watering to a few times per week. After a few months, austree willows only need supplemental watering during periods of extreme heat or drought. The trees are light feeders and should not require any fertilizer.
Pruning
In general, austree willows do not require much pruning, but they can benefit from the occasional trimming. First and foremost, be on the lookout for dead, dying, and diseased branches. Cut out these sections promptly and dispose of any diseased branches away from other willow trees. To prevent fungal diseases and excessive moisture, remove lower branches that sit near the ground. You can prune almost anytime, but avoid trimming during the heat of summer.
Pests and diseases
Austree willows are susceptible to a few pests, including aphids and mites. These insects rarely create problems for the tree, but if an infestation gets out of hand, there are a few ways to remedy it. Introducing lady beetles to your trees will create a natural defense against pests, but you can also use an insecticide in extreme cases. Fungal canker diseases are a common appearance on austree willows, showing up as bulbous growths on branches. Remove these infected parts of the tree as soon as you see them and dispose of them away from other willows.
FAQs
How far apart should I space my austree willow trees?
Austree willow trees can be planted at different spacings to create different effects in your landscape. If you are looking to create a privacy hedge as fast as possible, plant the trees approximately five feet apart. For patient growers, austree willows can be planted 15 to 20 feet apart, eventually creating taller and more robust hedges. To create even thicker privacy screens, stagger the trees in two rows. Austree willow trees will live longer and require less pruning if they are spaced farther apart.
How large do austree willow trees grow?
When planted alone, austree willow trees can grow to immense heights of over 60 feet. These large specimens will expand to widths of up to 50 feet. However, the trees are normally planted in rows and will grow much differently in this way. Trees planted in a hedge formation, spaced approximately 15 to 20 feet apart, will grow to heights around 35 feet and widths around 25 feet. The lifespan of the trees will vary depending on the planting density — willows planted close together will live and thrive for 20 to 30 years. However, they start to decline around the 20 year mark and should be replaced if being used for a hedge or privacy fence.
Do hybrid willows spread?
Hybrid willow trees have an expansive root system that sends up suckers (new growths that will eventually form into another tree). Avoid planting your willows near homes, buildings, and sewer lines, as their roots can cause serious damage. While they are not quite considered invasive, the trees will spread around your property if not controlled. Remove suckers as soon as you see them forming around the base of a tree, as they will “suck” valuable energy from the tree that could be spent in more productive ways.
Can willow trees be used for firewood?
Willow trees are classified as a hardwood, but they are softer and contain more moisture than other hardwood species. If given enough time to cure and dry, you can use willow wood successfully as firewood. Never burn austree willow wood that has been treated with pesticides — the fumes can be harmful if inhaled. Willow wood will not put off as much heat as more traditional firewoods, such as oak or pine. It also burns relatively fast, requiring you to spend more time tending to the fireplace.
So Far So Good. Hyrbid Willow looks like a Good Choice.
I received the trees in great shape and immediately planted them per their instructions. So far everything seems fine. They arrived as described. The "free" gift was so dead that it looked like a burnt match though. So I did not plant it...
Thanks a million. I am looking forward to seeing how they turn out.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 16, 2021 at 10:26pm
Perfect
Our 6 Willow trees arrived in great condition and are now planted. As far all 100%! Thanks!
Anonymous
Verified Buyer November 17, 2020 at 10:38pm
willow hybrid tree
I received the tree I planted,it some leave fell off now it is just a tree with three branches and some leaves.looks like a pole, will wait and see what happens if it grows, may order and other one later
Anonymous
Verified Buyer July 31, 2020 at 9:40pm
Beautiful
They are really grow fast and beautiful they are beautiful to watch Sway in the wind
Anonymous
Verified Buyer September 26, 2019 at 4:12pm
Hybrid willows
Very positive. Easy to order and trees arrived in good shape. We bought trees as well last summer and they are over 10 ft tall already.
Fast Growing
Mature height
35-45 ft. in Rows; 50-75 ft. Alone
Mature width
5-10 ft.
Sunlight requirement
Full-Partial
Growth rate
Fast
Botanical name
Salix x matsudana x alba
Shipping exclusions
AZ
Grows Well In Zones
4-9
Growing Zones: 4-9 i
Growing zones help determine if a particular plant is likely to grow well in a location. It identifies the average annual minimum winter temperatures across the U.S. provided as a map by the USDA.
So Far So Good. Hyrbid Willow looks like a Good Choice.
