Hybrid Willow trees are the perfect fast growing windbreak and privacy hedge row tree. They are great for shade trees as well. They are nontoxic to livestock, in fact, many people feed the fast growing branches to goats and sheep for extra forage.
The photos you see are for demonstration purposes. The item you will be receiving are cuttings with all leaves having been stripped off.
Our Austree Willow Tree Hybrids are extremely fast growing, and can easily grow 10 - 15 feet per year with little to no care. The Hybrid Willow is ideal for almost all soil conditions. They do love water and will grow much faster if they are watered frequently or if planted near flowing water that the roots can access. If watered once a week we have seen them grow more than 15 feet in one year under the right conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to having adequate water, sun, and fertile soil.
These cuttings can be grown into individual free standing shade trees or bushy hedges, the difference is only in how you trim them. Since the cuttings are cut on both ends they will naturally branch out multiple branches into a bushy hedge type shape, however you can simply eliminate all but one main branch and it will grow into a straight tree trunk.
We suggest planting them 3-6 feet apart for a hedge row, and a minimum of 15 feet if you want them to grow into single trunk "normal" shade trees.
The 12 inch cuttings you receive will have been stripped of leaves for shipping, this does not hurt them at all. After you receive your package, you will need to immediately put the cuttings into about 6-10 inches of water with the thicker part of the stem in the downward position. They generally start rooting in 5 to 10 days depending on temperature, and are usually ready to plant in the ground in about 20 - 30 days or once the roots are approximately one inch long. You can however leave the cuttings in your container with water for weeks (we have kept them as long as 20 weeks in just water, remember to keep adding water to their container to maintain the same level). The advantage to buying the NOW is that you can root them for an extended period of time and have very well established roots by late winter when you are ready to plant them.
We also have rooted / potted trees. Please see our other listings for the rooted trees available.
We have sold thousands of these trees locally and are now ready to share them with you, do not hesitate to ask us any question you might have, before or after the purchase.
Here is a quote from Illinois University: "Austree is a hybrid willow. It is a cross between Hankow willow, Salix matsudana and white willow, Salix alba. This willow is a very fast growing tree. It can grow 10-15 ft in a single year eventually attaining a height of 50-70 ft. Austrees might be suitable for windbreaks and to stop soil erosion on slopes and in gullies."
SHIPPING POLICY: We ship by Priority Mail & First Class depending on the distance/weight. If you choose to purchase expedited shipping via UPS we can do that as well. will automatically calculate the charges accordingly.
RETURNS POLICY: We will accept returns/exchanges/replacements for 60 days from purchase. However please do not wait to contact us. Let us know as quickly as possible so we can assist. We reserve the right to require photos for evidence of damage.