Correct Name Of Willow

[tigerlelly]

Our neighbours have just chopped down 2 pear trees, a plum and 4 apple trees - all beautiful mature specimens that bore fruit well. As well as removing our screening at the back it leaves us with a real problem where water is concerned. We are the first house in two directions that is on the level and our garden was like a swamp until we put in drainage and a sump (the pump is going virtually 24/7). The removal of these trees will just make the problem much worse so we need to plant some trees that will provide screening and soak up water. I remember seeing beautiful silvery-leaved trees when I was in Norfolk and was told that they were 'cracked willow'. Are they good at sucking up water and what is the correct name for them? Many thanks in advance.

[bibblebub]

there is crack willow http://www.british-trees.com/treeguide/willows/nbnsys0000003861

[boxtops]

what about "ordinary" weeping willow? They are beautiful to look at.

[Mosaic]

Be careful with the potential for willow roots to create problems with foundations - they are so efficient at removing water that they can cause over-drying and cracking.

[mazie]

this link might help you

http://www.barcham.co.uk/top-5-trees-for-wet-soil

[AB Editor]

Unless you're on a riverbank you're likely to be overdoing it with a willow. They're beautiful if properly maintained though.

[Chipchopper]

Crack willow (Salix fragilis) is a natural waterside tree but it's twigs are very brittle. the leaves are a greenish-gold colour.

The silvery leaf that you mention is possibly that of another native, the white willow (Salix alba). Both will take up a lot of space and may need a lot of pruning to keep them within reasonable, manageable size. I would not recommend planting these trees, as beautiful as they are, close to buildings, as the roots can be invasive to drainage and foundations.

An alternative to willows may be flowering 'Dogwood' (cornus)

[tigerlelly]

Believe me. my garden will almost be a river now that all the trees have gone. It is already 2" deep at the back!
Neighbours further down have a weeping willow and it is ok but I think we'll go for the Salix Alba - it won't interfere with any foundations as it will be at the bottom away from the house. We are also going to add 2ft of trellis to the fence and plant wild roses as a screen. I feel sorry for all the birds and insects who are missing homes and roosts too.

[heathfield]

Avoid willow. The roots have an uncanny ability to find water. They have been known to find a way into drainage pipes up to 40 feet from the tree. Once there, they can form a thing like a root ball that can completely block the pipe.