An In-Depth Guide to Weeping Trees

Weeping trees make a bold statement with their elongated branches that elegantly droop toward the earth. While there are many varieties, all weeping trees share this graceful characteristic, forming a stunning, flowing silhouette. If you're seeking an exquisite ornamental addition to your yard or garden, a weeping tree is an excellent option.

Beyond their visual appeal, weeping trees offer functional benefits as well. They can provide valuable shade and assist in controlling erosion and excess moisture in the soil. Selecting the right weeping tree for your landscape can provide years of beauty and long-term benefits. Experts highlight the most popular weeping trees for your property, along with essential tips for planting and maintaining them.

Varieties of Weeping Trees

Weeping is a natural growth pattern for certain tree species, but many of the weeping trees available for planting are cultivars—carefully bred varieties of existing tree species, specifically chosen for their signature cascading branches. These downward-reaching branches lend weeping trees their graceful and distinctive appearance. Some varieties bloom with flowers and leaves, while others feature needles and cones. Below are some of the most popular weeping tree varieties.

1. Camperdown Elm

The Camperdown Elm (Ulmus glabra Camperdownii) was first discovered in Dundee, Scotland. These graceful weeping trees feature thick green foliage and gnarled branches. Known by several names, including weeping elm, Scotch elm, and umbrella elm, this variety is relatively small but broad, reaching heights of up to 25 feet and spreading 20 to 30 feet wide.

This sprawling, deciduous tree showcases dark green leaves that transition to yellow in the fall. The leaves typically measure about 8 inches in length, are broad, and have a double-toothed edge. Camperdown Elms thrive in full to partial sun and require minimal pruning. They grow best in hardiness zones 4 to 6.

2. Golden Curls Willow

The Golden Curls Willow (Salix matsudana) is an adaptable tree with twisted branches and leaves. The Golden Curls Willow is known by many names, including dragon’s claw, curly willow, Hankow willow, rattlesnake willow, contorted willow, Pekin willow, globe willow, and twisted twig willow.

The tree offers a striking focal piece year-round, with branches that transform from bright golden yellow in the winter and early spring to bronze-gold in the summer. Leaves are lance-shaped and twisted. The leaves are green in spring and summer and turn gold in the autumn before falling off. The golden tree grows up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It does well in hardiness zone 4.

3. Inversa Norway Spruce

The Inversa Norway Spruce (Picea abies Inversa) features glossy green needles and branches that gracefully cascade downward. This resilient weeping tree can be supported upright with a stake or wall, or it can naturally grow as a ground cover.

Depending on how it's cultivated, the Inversa Norway Spruce can reach heights ranging from 2 to 30 feet and widths of 1 to 20 feet. Cold-hardy, it thrives in cooler climates and is best suited for hardiness zones 2B through 7A.

4. Nootka Cypress

The Nootka Cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis) is a graceful evergreen weeping tree with a pyramidal form. Known by several names such as Sitka cypress, yellow cypress, Alaska cedar, Nootka cedar, and yellow cedar, this tree is a striking addition to any landscape.

Its dark gray-green foliage elegantly drapes down from upward-arching branches, creating a majestic appearance. A low-maintenance conifer, the Nootka Cypress typically grows from 2 to 35 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. It flourishes in hardiness zones 4 through 7.

5. Weeping Birch

The Weeping Birch tree (Betula pendula) is known for its striking white or light-colored bark and elegant, cascading branches, making it a beautiful ornamental addition to any landscape.

The Weeping Birch features branches that droop downward and leaves that change from green to golden hues in the fall. These trees can reach heights of up to 100 feet and typically thrive in cooler climates, particularly in hardiness zones 2 through 7.

Popular varieties of weeping birch trees include Young’s weeping birch, Carelica, Dalecarlica, Golden Cloud, Gracilis, Laciniata, Purpurea, and Tristis.

6. Higan Cherry

The Higan Cherry tree (Prunus subhirtella) steals the show in spring with its vibrant pink and white blossoms, coupled with graceful, cascading branches. Known as the spring cherry or rosebud cherry, this weeping variety features either single or double five-petaled flowers that bloom in the early part of spring.

Higan Cherry trees typically reach a height of 20 to 30 feet and spread 15 to 25 feet wide, flourishing in temperate climates found in hardiness zones 6 through 8.

Features and Traits of Weeping Trees

The hallmark of a weeping tree is its drooping branches. Unlike upright trees that grow vertically, the branches of weeping trees grow downward, often touching the ground. This creates a soft, cascading silhouette, reminiscent of a verdant waterfall.

Weeping trees can vary in form depending on their species. For example, the Camperdown Elm has an umbrella-like, cascading canopy, while the Higan cherry features a more pendulous shape, with branches gracefully weeping from its central trunk. The leaves of these trees also differ by species, with some resembling teardrops, like the weeping birch, and others appearing as needles, such as those found on the Nootka Cypress and Inversa Norway Spruce.

Weeping trees generally thrive in temperate to cool climates, showcasing brilliant golden hues in the fall and creating striking bare silhouettes in the winter. The specific growth requirements depend on the species, but most weeping trees flourish in well-drained soil with access to full to partial sunlight.

How to Choose and Plant Weeping Trees

When selecting a weeping tree for your landscape, take into account the space available, the local growing conditions, and your aesthetic preferences. Opt for a tree that will comfortably fit in its designated space when it reaches its full size.

Samuel Davis, horticulturist and CEO of London Gardeners, advises, 'The choice of a weeping tree should be influenced by its mature size and how well it complements the design of your garden. Think about the space available, as some species require more room to thrive. Also, consider the tree's shape—whether it will serve as a dramatic focal point or a serene background—and how it fits into your garden's overall aesthetic.'

Light and Soil Requirements

It's important to choose a weeping tree that is compatible with both the soil and sunlight conditions of your planting site. While most weeping trees thrive in well-draining soil and prefer full to partial sunlight, always verify the specific needs of your tree variety to ensure optimal growth.

Samuel Davis suggests, 'When planting, the hole should be twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Adding organic material to the backfill can improve soil structure. Be sure to mulch around the base of the tree, but avoid allowing the mulch to touch the trunk. This helps retain moisture and regulate the soil temperature.'

How to Care for Weeping Trees

Weeping trees thrive in well-draining soil with consistent watering. The specific care requirements depend on the tree variety, but be cautious not to overwater, as weeping trees are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Ensure the soil provides adequate drainage to support healthy growth.

Pruning

In general, weeping trees don't need excessive pruning. When pruning, focus on maintaining the tree's natural shape by removing only dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Davis recommends pruning weeping trees to either maintain a formal appearance or let them grow more freely, depending on your desired aesthetic.

Don Eaton suggests, 'The best time to prune weeping trees is during their dormant phase, before new leaves appear in spring. Weeping trees often have dense branching, so thinning them out through pruning can improve airflow and help the tree resist leaf diseases.'

Common Pests and Diseases

Like all trees, weeping trees are vulnerable to common pests and diseases. However, with some proactive, natural strategies, you can safeguard your tree and help it thrive.

Weeping trees provide a shady retreat for pets, children, and wildlife. Birds and bees are drawn to weeping trees for the safe haven they offer. You can monitor bees and wildlife to ensure they remain a positive presence in your garden.

'Bees enjoy building nests in the protection of weeping trees, and birds are equally attracted to them for safety and shelter,' says Eaton. 'The dense, sometimes tangled branches make it harder for predators to reach the nests. Weeping trees attract wildlife with their abundant, protective limbs.'