Garden Care Guide

Salix acmophylla Care

Salix acmophylla

A fast-growing native willow species that is more tolerant of hot and dry climates than other willows. Although it likes water edges, it is quite drought tolerant, yet it should still be watered occasionally in summer for best growth.

Hardy · -35 °C / -31 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Fertilizing: Well-rotted manure or compost can be added to the soil; do not overapply.
  • Pruning: Main pruning time. Remove dry, diseased and weak branches, and prune to build a structurally strong crown.
  • Plant protection: Apply dormant mineral oil against overwintering scale insects if needed.
  • General care: Pruned branches can easily be propagated by taking cuttings.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for signs of canker on the trunk and branches.
February
  • Fertilizing: If needed, a slow-release balanced NPK fertilizer may be applied, but do not overfeed.
  • Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown.
  • Plant protection: Before the buds wake up, apply a copper-based preparation against fungal diseases.
  • General care: A suitable month for planting new seedlings.
  • Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings from severe frosts.
March
  • Watering: For newly planted seedlings, 20-30 L/week; it is generally not needed for mature trees; reduce if there is rain.
  • Plant protection: Check the new shoots for aphids.
  • General care: Rapid growth begins.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: It grows fast.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for aphids (green or black clusters of small insects) on fresh shoot tips. If there are only a few, you can knock them off with a strong jet of water.
May
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
  • Pests & diseases: Check fresh shoot tips for aphids (small clusters of green or black insects). If there are few, you can knock them off with a strong spray of water. Check the undersides of the leaves for orange-brown pustules (rust).
June
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Pruning: Remove only branches broken by the storm.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Keep the soil cool by mulching the root zone.
  • Pests & diseases: Check fresh shoot tips for aphids (small clusters of green or black insects). If there are few, you can knock them off with a strong spray of water. Check the undersides of the leaves for orange-brown pustules (rust).
July
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Plant protection: Continue pest control.
  • General care: Check the soil moisture constantly.
  • Pests & diseases: Water stress weakens the plant and makes it open to diseases.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Plant protection: Continue pest control.
  • General care: Maintain the mulch to keep the roots cool.
  • Pests & diseases: Keep watching for signs of water stress.
September
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Preparing for dormancy.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for orange-brown pustules (rust).
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • General care: The leaves turn yellow. Reduce the disease risk by clearing the fallen leaves.
November
  • Plant protection: Apply a copper-based preparation after leaf fall to prevent diseases.
  • General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
  • Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings during the first winter.
December
  • Pruning: The main pruning period can begin.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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