[robinlynn65]

We just planted a Weeping Willow tree but the ground is as hard as a rock. Will this keep the roots from spreading and allowing the tree to grow? Or do we need to replant it in softer ground?
Please advise

[KUXJ]

Hi! robinlynn65, and Welcome to AMHD :)

We just planted a Weeping Willow tree but the ground is as hard as a rock. Will this keep the roots from spreading and allowing the tree to grow? Or do we need to replant it in softer ground?
Please advise

Short answer, Not necessarily.
Willows have shallow root systems, but there are still some guidelines to follow.

I need to know:

• Do you know its species?
• Was it a bare-root or balled?
• What were the dimensions of the tree including the roots? (length x breath)
• How deep and wide did you make the hole?
• Did you amend the soil?
• How close is the tree located to sidewalks, house, or septic system if you have one?
• Did you dig the hole by hand or machine?

Here's one site check out #'s 5, and 7
9 Things You Should Know About Trees

After you answer those questions for me I can give you a more detailed answer.

K

[robinlynn65]

K, am new to this site. Not sure how to reply to your post. I appreciate your help, however, I don't know the answer to all of your questions. I don't know the species. Bare root or balled? The tree is about 10 ft tall. The hole isn't very deep or wide due to the fact the ground was as hard as a rock. Do not know what "amend" means. It is not close to any sidewalks or house or septic system. And we dug the hole by hand.

The tree has been planted for 6 days now and I noticed today that the leaves are turning yellow. What could this mean?

[KUXJ]

K, am new to this site. not sure how to reply to your post. I appreciate your help, however, i don't know the answer to all of your questions.

Now, now... robinlynn65, not to fret. Lets go over what we do know.

I don't know the species. bare root or balled? the tree is about 10 ft tall.

• Species
  Did it come with a tag on the trunk, branch or container
  that would tell you what type of willow it was?
  
  
• Bare root or balled
  If you purchased this tree from your local
  County Conservation district, it most likely
  didn't come with anything covering the roots
  except a gell like substance, and a plastic bag
  to keep the roots moist, ergo "bare-root".
  
  If you purchased this tree from a local Big-Box store
  like Wal-mart, Lowes, or Home Depot, it would have been
  in at least a 3gal. container or wrapped in burlap tied
  with string or wire.
  Both container or burlap would have contained soil.
  
  You did take it out of the container or cut the wire or string, didn't you?
  
  
• 10' tall
  Tells me your tree is still a young'un, maybe 3years old.

the hole isn't very deep or wide due to the fact the ground was as hard as a rock.

• If it was bare-root
  Was it at least as deep as the roots were long?
  
  
• If it was container or balled
  Was the hole at least as big as the container or ball?

do not know what "amend" means.

"Amend" means; "To add to" Did you add extra soil to the hole or around the tree when you planted it?

it is not close to any sidewalks or house or septic system. and we dug the hole by hand.

Not being close to those three is good. Digging the hole by hand tells me the hole is probably too small.

the tree has been planted for 6 days now and i noticed today that the leaves are turning yellow. what could this mean?

Being that you just planted it, your tree is under stress.
How many times have you watered it?
A newly planted tree should be watered until the soil is saturated, at least twice a day for three days, then drop to once a day for the next four. Then once a week during the growing season

If you want to put in the extra effort, go back to one of the big-box stores, and pick up at least two, maybe three 40lb bags of topsoil, and a bag of mulch. It depends on how big your hole is.

Carefully use your shovel and slice around the edge of the hole, then with one last slice lift the tree out of the hole, and place it on some cardboard, or in your wheelbarrow. Remove all of the remaining "rocky soil" from the hole. At this point you can attempt to enlarge the hole or leave it as it is. Remove the remaining soil from the tree roots.

Pour 'bout half of one bag into the hole, re-place the tree into the hole, while holding it upright pour the remaining bag into the hole, firming the soil around the roots. Add enough water to dampin' the soil. Pour in, and firm enough of second bag to ground level, saturate hole. Re-level soil, and create a moat around the hole's perimeter, cover with mulch to help guard against evaporation. If you are starting your fall season do not fertilize now, wait until spring. Water as above.

Did you save the sales slip? If the tree does eventually fail in the first year, the place you bought it from should honor it with a reasonable replacement.

K