Desert Willow Tree In Winter
In fact a good time to prune this deciduous tree is the end of february or cut back desert willows in march.
Desert willow tree in winter. When to prune a desert willow if you are wondering when to prune a desert willow trimming a desert willow can begin in late winter or early spring. Its not a relative of actual willows but is in the same family as trumpet vine and catalpa trees. Desert willow is deciduous so it will be bare in the winter. Do this every early spring to keep the insect population at bay.
Consider planting desert willow trees in groups if you need a privacy screen or windbreak. In areas with more than 30 inches of annual rainfall it must be planted in raised beds and watered carefully especially in winter. These trees are extremely robust in nature as they are extremely tolerant not only towards the high intensity heat conditions but also to the extreme cold conditions as well. It generally flowers in mid to late summer after some summer rains and weve had some heat.
Growth is irregular and requires attention to early trunk development. They are still dormant during this period. Its best to treat desert willow trees with systemic insecticides. This one is a small to medium sized upright spreading tree that grows to about 30 high by 15 wide.
It prefers full sun conditions and is extremely drought tolerant. Corkscrew willow salix mastudana is easy to identify by its long leaves and corkscrew or twisted branches. It is easily cultivated but must have a well drained site and must not be overwatered. Prune in spring just as leaves emerge to remove winter damage.
And while the desert willow is not actually related to the willow the tree does resemble it in appearance. Thus fewer insects during the spring and summer seasons. Planting desert willow trees is rewarding and easy if you live in usda hardiness zones 7b through 11. Spraying with dormant or agriculture oil during the late winter seasons will help keep insect larvae from hatching.
The multi trunked well branched growth habit and thick growth make the desert willow well suited for a wide screen or tall hedge. For the first year water desert willow tree deeply every five to seven days. The winter branch pattern is quite unique and attractive. It will tolerate various soil conditions but does best in soil that drains well.
Chilopsis and catalpa trees were crossed at one point leading to the chitalpa. Water established desert willow trees every two weeks in the summer and every month in the winter.