A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Willows

I have planted two Giant Pussy willows and a salix melanostachys plus a salix Britzensis in my yard as a screen. I knew the roots liked to travel to find water so I planted them as far away from the house as possible....about 20 feet on that side. Now I wonder if the roots will travel even that far. I posted this question in the new members area, but figured this would be the best place...this is my first house and therefore my first landscaping project. I love the willows and very much want to keep them, but I don't want them invading the water pipes in my cellar. If anyone has any information about pussy willows and their root spread besides just that they are large which is what most sites on the plants tell me, I would deeply appreciate the information. "The Earth Laughs in Flowers" -Ralph Emerson

dont know how far the roots will go, [ i just found out today, i had a pussy willow for 2 years befor i always called it the tree my brother gave me
i just had a idea for ya could you make a little french drain for em? right in front of my porch is like a swamp land, so my son & i dug alittle 2 foot long hole along our stepping stones & filled it in with rocks. it holds water good. maybe if ya did that by your willows the roots wouldnt need to go far for water.

I would not worry excessively about the roots. 80% of tree roots are in the top foot of soil!

You can purchase copper sulfate at most good garden stores and treat your pipes once or twice a year. That will kill the roots quite soundly without harming the trees.

thanks, Eugene carroll!
i herd that about pine trees.but didnt know 80% of trees rooted like that. were always getting trees uprooted by storms here , do you know what trees are deep rooters?

It's not the depth of the roots as much as their texture. Fibrous rooted trees, such as those aclimated to wet areas tend to get into pipes more than tap-rooted species which are adapted to upland conditions.

Another tip on your pussywillow, IIRC, as they age the upper branches will tend to canker and die, but as long as you watch them, and prune off below the canker they sprout well and you can maintain a nice plant. Don't be afraid to lop.

You can do the same thing with the upright Italian poplars. Just Cut them below the canker area before it gets to low and they'll grow back like crazy.