Where to buy trees - mainly willow

polb · March 2018

Hi, I'm looking for somewhere to buy around 20 trees from. I've been tempted with this offer from Thompson & Morgan https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/salix-hedging-collection/T70734PTM
However I am concerned about their bad reviews.. although I appreciate that these seem very reasonable and might be worth the gamble??

The area is very wet, hence the appeal of willows!

Can anyone recommend where to buy willow trees from?

Thank you! :-)

Obelixx · March 2018

As I recall your garden is not that big so any willows will be planted near to buldings.

Beware! Their roots seek out water everywhere and will break drains to get to it. Their capacity to suck up water can also cause subsidence and break foundations.

Most gardens are wet in winter. If yours is wet all year consider doing some drainage work or making raised beds and/or making a bog garden in the worst bit. Planting any trees and shrubs will help with moisture levels and there are safer option than willows.

Have a look here for trees and shrubs that do well in wet soils - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=152

nutcutlet · March 2018

I would decide which species I wanted, google it, and a supplier would come up.

polb · March 2018

Hi the garden is near to an acre and the willows are well over 50feet away from any building, so no problems there! :-D I've read loads about which trees and willows seem to be the best option. There is already one in the area which does well.

Just wondered if anyone would recommend anywhere to buy willow trees from?

Dovefromabove · March 2018

I would knock on the door of any country dweller with a large willow in their hedgerow and ask if you can cut some withies https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withy ... you could arrange a barter of cake or something.

Stick them into the ground about 12" where you want your trees and within a very few years you'll have large trees.

If you want ordinary willows e.g. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/osier/

or Pussy Willows https://www.thespruce.com/planting-pussy-willow-trees-for-spring-2130899

I wouldn't consider spending money ... save that for something else for the garden ... there's always something.

polb · March 2018

Thanks for the info.. I'll see if I can spot any willows locally in neighbour's gardens..I'd quite like a variety to give more interest which is why the 4 different species offer from T&M interested me.

Dovefromabove · March 2018

You could create a variety by pollarding some, coppicing some and leaving some to grow to their full height ... could look really great

polb · March 2018

Sounds like a good idea although I do need to keep the height as they'll be used in part for screening. Thanks for the idea though, I hadn't thought about that! :-)

a1154 · March 2018

I usually give a car full away twice a year, I have a common one and a twisted one, which is nice too. So I agree look for someone locally. I use gumtree for ads.

Dovefromabove · March 2018

polb said:

Sounds like a good idea although I do need to keep the height as they'll be used in part for screening. Thanks for the idea though, I hadn't thought about that! :-)

Then pollarding some of them will be perfect

Silver surfer · March 2018

Quote....."Hi the garden is near to an acre and the willows are well over 50feet away from any building, so no problems there!"

WRONG!

See this link for recommended distance from buildings...willows recommended distance is 40 m/131feet!

https://www.bickersinsurance.co.uk/about-us/latest-news/property-owners-news/a-list-of-trees-and-the-recommended-safe-distance-from-buildings/

They love water and seek it out from sewers etc. See link.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=willow+tree+roots+sewers&client=firefox-b&dcr=0&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi-qLP9jO7ZAhUCC8AKHcQdDtMQ_AUICigB&biw=1920&bih=943#imgrc=oHJjIEnAO4uwGM:

Please consider a single specimen of Taxodium disticum...swamp cypress.
It will take it wet.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=taxodium+distichum&client=firefox-b&dcr=0&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi3-srci-7ZAhWnAcAKHb5CCzkQ_AUICigB&biw=1920&bih=943

If you insist....See Ornamental trre co for Salix sp for sale.

https://www.ornamental-trees.co.uk/willow-trees-salix-tree-c42

Where to buy trees - mainly willow

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