{"product_id":"crack-willow-salix-fragis","title":"Crack Willow (salix fragilis)","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFast-growing native deciduous tree (up to 20–25m tall) with a broad, spreading crown; ideal for quick screening or shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly tolerant of wet soils, riversides, flood-prone areas, and coastal exposure; excellent for stabilising banks and erosion control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly catkins provide vital pollen\/nectar for bees and pollinators in late winter\/spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports wildlife: habitat for birds, insects, and moths; leaves feed caterpillars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrittle branches \"crack\" easily (hence the name), readily root as cuttings for easy propagation; useful for biomass or willow weaving.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive glossy green lance-shaped leaves; low-maintenance once established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest time: Bare-root or cuttings November–March (dormant season); container-grown autumn or spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocation: Full sun to partial shade; moist to wet soil (thrives in boggy\/waterlogged sites, tolerates clay but dislikes dry); vast open space required – avoid near buildings\/pipes\/drains due to vigorous, invasive roots; unsuitable for small gardens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation: Dig large hole twice root width; no need for added organic matter in rich\/wet soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting: Set at original depth (check trunk soil mark); stake young trees; firm in, water deeply, mulch base (keep clear of trunk).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAftercare: Water well first few years in unusually dry spells; minimal pruning (late winter if needed, coppice for regrowth);  highly vigorous.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","offers":[{"title":"60-100cm","offer_id":58496828834136,"sku":null,"price":1.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/4879\/4968\/files\/IMG_2163.jpg?v=1789921531","url":"https:\/\/www.treegrowers.co.uk\/products\/crack-willow-salix-fragis","provider":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}