Dragon's Claw Willow Tree Care

Soil

• Like most willows, dragon's claw willow likes moist soils. Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade. The soil should be moist to wet, with good drainage. To test drainage, dig a hole 12 inches deep and fill it with water. The water should drain in approximately 30 minutes. Dragon's claw willow thrives in most types of soil, including sandy and loamy soils. While the tree tolerates dry conditions, it prefers to grow near ponds and other deeply moist sites. The tree isn't picky about soil acidity and will thrive in pH levels ranging from 5.0 to 8.0.

Water

• Provide supplemental water in dry soil or in areas where rainfall may be scant, especially in summer. Regular, deep watering is especially important during the tree's first year, while it is building its root system. Water the plant at its base, rather than from overhead, so the water will soak down to the roots. Monitor the tree for signs of drought stress, such as yellowing leaves and a wilted appearance. Infrequent, deep watering is better than frequent, shallow watering. A 2-inch to 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help preserve moisture on dry sites.

Fertilizer

• Apply an all-purpose granular fertilizer around the dragon tree willow's root zone and water well so the nutrients will penetrate fully. Use a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 to provide adequate nutrition and fertilize regularly during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for proper application rates and timing. Take a soil test every year or two to make sure the soil is not lacking in nutrients.

Insects and Diseases

• Willows are susceptible to a wide range of diseases and insect pests. Healthy trees are better able to withstand or recover from most problems. Monitor the tree's overall health and adjust cultural practices as needed to keep the dragon's claw willow healthy. Watch for aphids, scale insects, borers and caterpillars, which can damage the foliage and interfere with the uptake of nutrients and moisture from the roots. Leaf spots and cankers sometimes occur, but they generally do little more than aesthetic damage to healthy trees.

Pruning

• Prune the dragon's claw willow in late winter to help the tree produce lush, new growth the following spring. Remove dead or diseased wood as needed to preserve the tree's health.