The Weeping Willow Tree

Here in the northeast, we're waiting patiently for Spring to finally arrive. After a long, cold, snowy, winter, it just hasn't come quick enough. When you think of Spring, what is the first thing that come to mind?? For me, it's the buds on the trees. I anxiously wait for the buds to turn into green leaves...natures shade from the hot sun. My favorite tree has always been the Weeping Willow....HUGE...Her branches wide and comforting...Majestic yet elegant. Growing up in Massachusetts, I spent many a day playing underneath the Weeping Willow that stood behind the church down the street from my house. It's funny, I don't see many Weeping Willows anymore...I'm not sure why? Maybe the reason is that they can be a nuisance when it comes to drainage, pipes, and sewerage because of their aggressive roots. I've learned that Weeping Willows are best planted by the water because they can be problematic. That aside, let me list a few FANTASTICAL things about the Weeping Willow tree...

Willows contain Salicin...Salicin resembles aspirin and was used in ancient times to relieve fever and pain.

Willows are used to manufacture such items as furniture, wicker baskets, dolls, brooms, and tool handles amongst many other things.

The charcoal used in artists sketches, are made from willows.

The normal height of a Weeping Willow is 40 ft. but can grow to be 70ft high!!

Now the real cool stuff...

Weeping Willows, because of their large, strong root system...in the wild, act as a natural water filtering system. Their roots capture polluted water and filter out the toxins...leaving fresh, clean water.

Lastly, Willows are being used as Biomass...a renewable, environmentally friendly energy source!!!Read more about SUNY-ESF's  Willow Biomass Project located in Syracuse, NY.

So, what's YOUR favorite tree???