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Enchanting Willow Trees For Your Landscape Article
Enchanting Willow Trees for Your Landscape
from: Lawn and Garden MagicWhen planning your home landscaping, it's a good idea to consider trees as a major part of your plan since trees provide a home owner with lots of versatility within their landscap. Trees are great for covering those empty spaces that might otherwise look dull and lifeless and they provide colors that complement the general theme of your landscape and garden. In addition, other plants that could use some protection from direct sunlight are going to benefit from the shade provided by these lovely trees, not to mention the way trees seem to invite a cool breeze during those hot summer afternoons.
Of course, you should always consider these in relation to the aesthetic merits of other types of trees. You may enjoy all of these benefits, but if the trees you plant in your yard aren't set in a visually pleasant manner, your lawn and garden will suffer.
Horticulturists and landscapers have always considered the willow tree a safe choice, due to their deciduous leaves and catkins. In fact, the leaves and flowers of these tree experience shedding and regrowth cycles throughout each year. Their long, cylindrical, but rounded catkins, for example, display their best blooms during the spring, and thereafter, start to shed, only to come to life during the months leading to the next spring season.
The willow tree's leaves provide a similar story that produces a different effect. Since the leaves shed, they often drag their branches to the ground, creating an enchanted feeling for this tree type. The best example is a subspecies of this tree, the Weeping Willow, known for the distinctive stance of its body that seems to conjure up magical thoughts from anyone observing them.
The willow tree has many uses. Its bark is rich with salicin, which is a chemical used for fever and body ache relief. In fact, throughout history the Sumerians, Assyrians and Egyptians used the bark for this purpose as early as the 5th century BC. Historical records also show that native Americans made good use of this medicinal alternative long before the English settlers discovered the continent of North America.
However, nowadays, the willow tree is known for its ornamental benefits. Once you've added it to your garden or lawn, the area is immediately transformed into something truly enchanting for the senses.