{"product_id":"white-willow-salix-alba","title":"White Willow (salix alba)","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative fast-growing deciduous tree (up to 20–25m tall) with graceful weeping habit; striking silvery-grey foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly tolerant of wet soils, riversides, and waterlogged sites; excellent for stabilising banks, erosion control, or damp areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly spring catkins provide vital nectar\/pollen for bees and pollinators; supports numerous moth\/butterfly caterpillars and wildlife habitat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive narrow leaves with white-silky undersides; yellow\/red winter stems for seasonal interest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional uses: flexible stems for basket weaving, low-maintenance and wind-resistant 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 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\/riverside conditions, tolerates clay but dislikes dry\/chalky); vast open space required -best grown in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6x-Nl3_L1pA?si=qAmqFF0vzJSHfFn6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIsolation\u003c\/a\u003e, avoid near buildings\/drains due to vigorous roots; unsuitable for small gardens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation: Dig large hole twice root width; add organic matter to improve structure if needed.\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 well, mulch base (keep clear of trunk) to reduce weed competition and.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAftercare: Water well first few years in dry spells; prune hard in late winter if coppicing\/pollarding desired; remove suckers if unwanted; monitor for willow anthracnose or aphids; highly vigorous especially near watercourses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","offers":[{"title":"60-100cm","offer_id":58496777683288,"sku":null,"price":1.68,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/4879\/4968\/files\/IMG_2161.jpg?v=1789921646","url":"https:\/\/www.treegrowers.co.uk\/products\/white-willow-salix-alba","provider":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}