How does the weeping willow disperse its seeds? A detailed guide to sapling prices and planting techniques
The weeping willow is a tall deciduous tree with a wide distribution and strong vitality. It is one of the common tree species and is also a street tree commonly used in landscaping. So how does the weeping willow disperse its seeds? How much does a sapling cost? What are the planting techniques? According to data from the Salicaceae family, willows disperse their seeds by wind. Their seeds generally mature from April to May. The seeds are very small and covered with white fuzz, and because they drift with the wind like floating catkins they are called willow catkins. The willow relies on the flying catkins to spread its seeds far away, where they take root and sprout. Poplars, dandelions and others also disperse their seeds by wind.
How much does a weeping willow sapling cost?
| Seedling name | Diameter at breast height (cm) | Unit (tree) | Unit price (yuan) |
| Weeping willow | 3 | tree | 4~7 |
| Weeping willow | 4 | tree | 9~15 |
| Weeping willow | 5 | tree | 15~22 |
| Weeping willow | 6 | tree | 28~35 |
| Weeping willow | 7 | tree | 45~60 |
| Weeping willow | 8 | tree | 55~70 |
| Weeping willow | 9 | tree | 75~90 |
| Weeping willow | 10 | tree | 85~130 |
| Weeping willow | 11 | tree | 120~160 |
| Weeping willow | 12 | tree | 150~180 |
| Weeping willow | 13 | tree | 180~240 |
| Weeping willow | 14 | tree | 260~300 |
| Weeping willow | 15 | tree | 280~330 |
What are the planting techniques for weeping willow?
1. Weeping willow seedlings are mainly propagated by cuttings. Propagation can be done throughout the year in January, February, March, November and December. The method is simple and easy to understand, with a high survival rate, low cost and low technical requirements, and it is the method used by most nurseries across the country. Because the weeping willow grows fast but has poor upright growth, the cuttings should be planted directly in the open field, and the density must be controlled properly, otherwise the resulting saplings will have crooked trunks and a poor shape. A spacing of 40×60 cm is recommended for the cuttings, and cuttings with a diameter of 1-3 cm are suitable, taken from current-year or two-year-old branches.
2. Generally, after 2 years of growth following cutting, the first division and replanting begins. At this time the average spacing is 3-4 cm and the trunks are straight. A trunk-setting height of 2.5 m is recommended, meeting the requirements for weeping willow landscaping saplings in most parts of the country. Leave an appropriate distance according to the thickness being cultivated: 2.5×3 m can produce high-quality saplings of 7-9 cm, 3×4 m can produce high-quality saplings of 12-15 cm, and 4×5 m can produce saplings of 18-22 cm. Leaving too much space wastes land, while too little leads to poor growth, so it must be appropriate.
3. Compound fertilizer can be used for fertilizing. The weeping willow has very good fertilizer tolerance and is not afraid of heavy fertilizing. Spring and summer are the main peak growth periods, and fertilizer should be applied 3-4 times, each time broadcasting 80-100 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. Then, depending on the weather, if rain comes frequently there is no need to water; if there is little rain, irrigate manually. Be sure to maintain an adequate water supply. Compared with fertilizer, the role of water is more important.
4. The weeping willow is characterized by few pests and diseases, tolerance of waterlogging and cold, a transplant survival rate of over 98%, and extremely strong vitality. It is a plant with an exceptionally long green-leaf period: it sprouts early in spring in January and February, and only sheds its leaves in autumn and winter in October and November, giving 240-290 days of ornamental value per year. It is an outstanding species among deciduous trees.