Choose Babylon Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) — the classic green-stemmed weeping willow — for a big, open, damp spot where you want a weeping shade tree with real presence. Two honest tradeoffs: it drops twigs and its roots need distance from homes, septic, pipes, and pavement, and it is the tender willow, hardy to about zone 5b in a sheltered spot, so give it a protected, well-mulched site in the coldest parts of NH and ME.
Buy This If
You have room away from structures.
You want the classic green weeping form.
Your site holds some moisture and is zone 5b or warmer.
Skip This If
Roots may reach pipes or pavement.
You need a tidy, low-cleanup lawn tree.
Your site is an exposed, windswept cold pocket.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
A
Its weeping canopy gives a large open property a clear focal point.
Growth Rate
A
It grows quickly, which is useful when shade is the main goal.
Maintenance
C-
Dropped branchlets and periodic cleanup are part of owning this tree.
Deer Resistance
C-
Deer readily browse and rub young trees like this, so protect it while it establishes where pressure is heavy.
Small Space Fit
F
The roots and canopy make it a poor fit for tight yards.
Screening Value
C
It can block some views in leaf, but it is not a dependable screen.
Cold Hardiness
B-
Reliable in zone 6 and workable to zone 5b in a sheltered, well-mulched spot; give it protection at the cold edge of its range.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend this only after confirming the planting spot is well away from buildings, utilities, septic, and hardscape — and that the site is zone 5b or warmer, ideally with some shelter. It is a big-site tree, not a problem-solver for tight corners. If you're in an exposed cold pocket, the hardier Golden Weeping Willow is the safer weeping choice.
Plant Facts
Botanical Name
Salix babylonica
Mature Height
30-40 ft
Mature Width
30-40 ft
Hardiness Zones
5b-8b
Spacing
35 ft minimum
Sun
Full sun
Moisture
Average to wet
Growth Habit
Medium to large deciduous tree with weeping, pendulous branches
Customers Usually Ask
Is it hardy in New England?
It is reliable in zone 6 and can work in a sheltered, well-mulched zone 5b spot across much of NH, MA, and ME. In an exposed, windswept cold site, choose the hardier Golden Weeping Willow instead.
Green willow or golden willow — what's the difference?
This is the green-stemmed true weeping willow (Salix babylonica). The Golden Weeping Willow has bright yellow-gold stems and is hardier; pick by stem color and your zone.
Can I plant it near my house?
No. Keep it well away from foundations, septic systems, pipes, patios, and driveways.
Is it messy?
Yes. Expect dropped twigs and regular cleanup, especially after wind.
CLEARANCE
Locally grown for New England conditions
Every plant in our Fall Sale is grown or hardened off right here in New Hampshire, so it's already acclimated to New England winters before it ever leaves our nursery.
They're very "leggy" right now but that's not unexpected in the fall. Otherwise, they look healthy, and we're looking forward to seeing them next year.
Showed up on time and planted it perfectly. I indicated a light we had to illuminate it and they placed it for optimal lighting. Worked fast and left a clean worksite. First rate!
Installation Service
Jon Kenyon
Really great website, communication and installation. Very happy customer and would recommend them.
Fairview Juniper
Anonymous
They delivered three trees: a big linden, a big poplar and a little spice bush with install on the big trees. The install guys were great and professional and fast. All the trees looked good with minimal damage.
Northern Spicebush
Joseph Sico
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
Wichita Blue Juniper
Aileen Maconi
The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!