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Willow Hybrid

Salix x 'Austree'

  • Grows 6-10 Feet Yearly: this Hybrid Willow Creates Dense Privacy Screens in Just One Season
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
  • Grows 60-70 ft Tall, 15-30 ft Wide
  • Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds
  • Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage
Regular price $3950
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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Wet Soils, Slopes/Erosion Control, Hedge/Screen, Disease resistant, Flowering
Hardiness Zone 5a to 9b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 60-70 ft
Width 15-30 ft
Watering Needs High
Growth Rate Fast
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Yellow
Native Yes
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Willow
Botanical Name Salix x 'Austree'
Species x
Cultivar Austree
Class Fagales
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
M
Madonna (United States)
Received the tree in perfect condition

Received the tree in perfect condition. It lost mode of the leaves it had . But now all new leaves are growing it’s looking very good. With this heatwave

Hybrid willows are tough, but even they can drop leaves after the stress of shipping and transplanting. The fact that yours pushed out a full flush of new growth during a heatwave is a great sign. It should take off quickly from here. Thanks for the update, Madonna!

T
Tammy (United States)
So scraggly

So scraggly...its one stem. And the deer ate it. I expected a wider one for the price. You really should trim the tall one and allow side shoots to shape. Its not good practice in my opinion. If it had 5 thick low branches, it might have had a chance. I bought them like that previously and it turned into a monster plant.

C
Carrie
I hope it is ok

The willow arrived ok but I noticed the dirt was fairly sticky and had what I thought were fertilizer granules but I am wondering if they were eggs or larvae. I wish I could upload a picture - very nervous because I don’t want to introduce something bad.

Hi Carrie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your observations with us. We completely understand your concerns about the sticky dirt and those small granules—you want to make sure your new willow arrives healthy and pest-free. What you've noticed is most likely fertilizer pellets, which are commonly included in our shipment soil to help your plant settle in and get off to a strong start.

However, your caution with unfamiliar textures is very wise! While it's uncommon for insects or larvae to hitch a ride, if you're worried, we recommend gently inspecting the soil and plant every couple of days. You might try lightly rinsing the base of the plant and surrounding soil with clean water to help remove any stray debris. Additionally, if you see anything that looks unusual or you’d like a second opinion, please don’t hesitate to reach out with a photo via email or our chat support — we’re happy to guide you.

We truly appreciate your attention to detail and want your willow — and garden — to thrive beautifully!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

J
JD
Looks Promising! **UPDATE**

Update to review from 09/06/20We bought 15 trees, spread between 3-4’ and 4-5’ trees. They were delivered and planted in September. Some of them were pretty sparse and scrawny and I was initially concerned. Now, 10 months in the ground later and these trees are HUGE! They are pushing 12’ tall and have at least 3x in width. (Yes, 12 feet!)They are not yet creating a full thick privacy screen (from my god awful neighbor, which is the primary goal) but based on the growth so far, feeling fairly optimistic. Aesthetically, they are so calming. They flow with the breeze and remind me of being on vacation. I wish I could post pictures here, I’d be happy to share for anyone considering these. We’re super happy and highly recommend. We have several friends all now ordering these trees.

Hi JD,

Thank you so much for taking the time to update your review and share this wonderful progress! We’re thrilled to hear that your trees have taken off with such amazing growth—from scrawny starts to impressive 12-foot beauties is fantastic news. Your patience and care are clearly paying off!

We completely understand wanting a full privacy screen to block out that challenging view, and it sounds like you’re on the right track. It can take a little time for the density to fully develop, especially as the trees continue filling out in width. To further encourage a lush privacy barrier, you might consider occasional pruning techniques that promote fuller lateral growth once your trees are well established; we’d be happy to provide resources or guidance on that whenever you need.

It’s also lovely to hear these trees create such a calming, “vacation-like” vibe in your space — that’s exactly the kind of garden magic we love to see. If you or your friends do want to share photos, feel free to send them our way! We’d love to show fellow customers your fantastic results as inspiration.

Thanks again for your recommendation and encouraging feedback. Please know we’re here for any support along your planting journey.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Jd
Looks Promising! **UPDATE**

Update to review from 09/06/20We bought 15 trees, spread between 3-4’ and 4-5’ trees. They were delivered and planted in September. Some of them were pretty sparse and scrawny and I was initially concerned. Now, 10 months in the ground later and these trees are HUGE! They are pushing 12’ tall and have at least 3x in width. (Yes, 12 feet!)They are not yet creating a full thick privacy screen (from my god awful neighbor, which is the primary goal) but based on the growth so far, feeling fairly optimistic. Aesthetically, they are so calming. They flow with the breeze and remind me of being on vacation. I wish I could post pictures here, I’d be happy to share for anyone considering these. We’re super happy and highly recommend. We have several friends all now ordering these trees.

Dear Jd,

Thank you so much for taking the time to update your review and share your wonderful journey with your trees! We’re thrilled to hear that your 15 trees have flourished so beautifully in just 10 months—growing to 12 feet tall and spreading nicely is truly fantastic. It sounds like your concerted effort—and patience—is paying off, creating the calming, flowing oasis you envisioned despite the privacy challenges.

If you ever want tips on helping them fill in faster—for example, strategic pruning or adding supplementary planting to boost your privacy screen—don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, sharing your pictures with your friends or on online forums might just inspire others in your area looking for solutions to similar landscaping hurdles. We’d love to see how your garden is shaping up as well, so please feel encouraged to email any photos to us anytime!

Thank you again for your heartfelt recommendation; your happiness is truly the best reward. Please know we’re always here for any plant care guidance you may need along the way. Wishing you continued joy and greenery in your outdoor space!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

J
JD
Looks promising!

We just ordered 16 of these, 8 of the 3-4’ and 8 of the 4-5’. They came nicely packaged and with great growth on them. Two of the 3-4’ trees are a bit small and questionable if they even make the 3’ height so that kind of stinks. I hope they root and take off and catch up to the others. Let’s see how they do between now and winter and then full season next year. I think this result will determine if we buy from nature hills again.

Hi JD,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your recent order! We’re glad to hear that your trees arrived well packaged and with great initial growth—that’s always encouraging. We completely understand your concern about the two smaller 3-4’ trees, and we appreciate your patience in seeing how they develop. Sometimes young trees can surprise us with a bit of slow growth after transplanting before they really take off. To help improve rooting and growth, we recommend keeping the soil consistently moist but well-drained and giving them ample space to grow. If you need any personalized tips or have questions as your trees settle in over the coming months, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re rooting for those trees to thrive this season and hope they flourish enough to welcome you back to Nature Hills for future purchases!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

J
Jenny
Looks promising!

We just ordered 16 of these, 8 of the 3-4’ and 8 of the 4-5’. They came nicely packaged and with great growth on them. Two of the 3-4’ trees are a bit small and questionable if they even make the 3’ height so that kind of stinks. I hope they root and take off and catch up to the others. Let’s see how they do between now and winter and then full season next year. I think this result will determine if we buy from nature hills again.

Hello Jenny,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your recent order! We truly appreciate your detailed feedback and are glad to hear that most of your trees arrived well-packaged and with strong growth.

We’re sorry to hear that a couple of the 3-4’ trees seem smaller than expected. Sometimes height can vary slightly, but if they are healthy and have good roots, we’re hopeful they’ll catch up and flourish. To give these trees the best start, you might consider a thorough watering schedule and applying a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy root development. Additionally, choosing a protected spot for winter will help them get established before next growing season.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with updates or any concerns. We want to ensure you feel confident and supported as you nourish your new trees, and we’d be happy to assist you if you consider a future order.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Juliana
Look good so far

I bought two and they both look healthy .

Hi Juliana,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that both of your plants look healthy so far. Healthy starters are such a great foundation for thriving garden additions. If you have any questions about care tips or ongoing maintenance as they continue to grow, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you nurture them every step of the way.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Juliana
Look good so far

I bought two and they both look healthy .

Dear Juliana,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that your two plants are looking healthy so far. It's wonderful news that they are thriving with you. If you ever have any questions or want tips on how to keep them growing strong, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden flourish!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

G
Guest
Hybrid willows.

Very please with our willows. They arrived during the correct planting season for our planting zone and were in great shape for planting ..... thanks from Ohio

Hi,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with our hybrid willows! We're delighted to hear that they arrived in great condition and during the ideal planting season for your zone in Ohio. Timing and plant quality are so important to thriving growth, and we’re glad we could support your garden launch successfully.

If you ever have questions about willow care or want tips on helping them flourish in your landscape, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have helpful guides on our website tailored to zone-specific planting and maintenance that you might find valuable as your trees grow.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

D
Donna
Hybrid willows.

Very please with our willows. They arrived during the correct planting season for our planting zone and were in great shape for planting ..... thanks from Ohio

Hi Donna,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with our hybrid willows! We're delighted to hear they arrived in great condition and right on time for the planting season in Ohio. Proper timing and healthy plants really do make all the difference in helping your garden thrive. If you ever have questions about caring for your willows or want tips on getting the best growth, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to support you.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

k
kurt
AWESOME!

Bought 3 foot tree in April and now it is 11 feet in September!! Going to buy 10 more!

Hi Kurt,

Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic experience with your Willow Hybrid! We’re thrilled to hear your tree has flourished from 3 feet to an impressive 11 feet in just a few months—that’s truly wonderful growth. It sounds like your tree is thriving in its environment, and we’re delighted it’s become such a vibrant addition to your garden.

Buying 10 more shows incredible enthusiasm, and we’re confident they’ll grow beautifully as well. To keep helping your Willows grow strong and healthy, just be sure they receive plenty of water during dry spells and, if possible, consider a mulch layer to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Also, fertilizing in early spring can boost their energy for the upcoming growing season.

If you need any assistance selecting the right varieties or have questions about care as your nursery expands, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your green thumb every step of the way!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

K
Kurt
AWESOME!

Bought 3 foot tree in April and now it is 11 feet in September!! Going to buy 10 more!

Hi Kurt,

Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic experience with your Willow Hybrid! We're thrilled to hear how impressively your tree has grown in just a few months — from 3 feet to 11 feet is truly remarkable. It sounds like it’s thriving beautifully in your care.

Purchasing 10 more sounds like a wonderful plan! Willows are such joyful, fast-growing additions to any landscape. Just a quick tip: make sure they receive plenty of water, especially during hot, dry periods, and or choose a well-drained spot to keep that vigorous growth going strong. If you need guidance on planting or ongoing care, feel free to check out our detailed care resources on the site, or reach out anytime!

Thanks again for trusting NatureHills, Kurt. We’re excited to watch your green space flourish.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

H
Hybrid

If I planted these trees 6 feet from my driveway and garage what will happen ? Will it wreck my driveway and garage slab?

Nature Hills Nursery

Hi there!
Great question! We would recommend planting willow hybrids at least 50 feet away from structures, driveways, and septic or water systems.

If you are looking for a fast-growing privacy screen or shade tree near structures, here are a few we would recommend:

Autumn Blaze Serviceberry: https://naturehills.com/products/autumn-brilliance-serviceberry?_pos=1&_psq=Autumn+br&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Eastern Redbud: https://naturehills.com/products/eastern-redbud?_pos=1&_psq=eastern+redbu&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Japanese Lilac Tree: https://naturehills.com/products/japanese-tree-lilac?_pos=2&_psq=japanese+lilac&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Kousa Dogwood: https://naturehills.com/products/kousa-dogwood?_pos=1&_psq=Kousa&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Thank you for reaching out! - Nature Hills Customer Support

H
Hybrid

How close to the driveway and garage can they be planted? Also how far away should they be from underground gas and electric lines?

Nature Hills Nursery

Hello there,
Those are great questions! You can plant the Willow Hybrid tree 30 feet from your driveway. They are great to help block prevailing winds. It will also help reduce the amount of snow you'll need to shovel! As for the gas and electric lines, general rule of Thumb: At least 30-50 feet away. Hope this helps! Happy Gardening - Nature Hills Customer Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Do willow hybrids lose their leaves?

  • Yes, willow hybrids are deciduous trees that drop their leaves in winter. However, the dense branching structure still provides effective privacy screening and wind protection year-round. Plant them 3 feet apart for maximum coverage.

How much water do they need?

  • Willow Hybrids need consistent, abundant water to achieve their 6-10 feet annual growth rate. They thrive in naturally moist areas and require regular deep watering during dry spells. Plant where drainage is good but moisture stays available year-round.

Do deer eat hybrid willow trees?

  • Deer typically avoid willow trees due to their bitter bark and leaves, making Willow Hybrid naturally deer resistant. The fast 6-10 foot annual growth helps it quickly outpace browsing height. Plant your privacy screen without worry about deer damage.

Do willow trees lose their leaves in the winter?

  • Yes, willow trees are deciduous and drop their leaves in winter. However, the bare branches still provide an effective privacy screen and windbreak throughout the dormant season. Plant them 3 feet apart for year-round screening that works even without foliage.

What planting zones are Willow Hybrid trees hardy in?

  • Willow Hybrid trees are hardy in USDA zones 4-9, tolerating temperatures down to -30°F. They thrive in areas with adequate rainfall and perform best in full sun to part shade. Shop at Nature Hills for fast-growing privacy that establishes quickly in most climates.

What type of soil do Willow Hybrid trees prefer for optimal growth?

  • Willow Hybrid trees are adaptable to most soil types but thrive in moist, well-draining soil. They tolerate clay, loam, and sandy soils as long as adequate water is provided. Plant in areas that receive regular rainfall or supplemental irrigation for best growth rates.

What is the growth rate of Willow Hybrid trees per year?

  • Willow Hybrid trees grow an impressive 6-10 feet per year when newly planted. Once established, they can put on up to 15 feet in a single growing season with adequate water and sunlight. Plant them 3 feet apart for fastest privacy screening results.

Do Willow Hybrid trees require regular pruning or maintenance?

  • Willow Hybrid trees grow naturally to their mature size without requiring regular pruning. These fast-growing trees are designed to develop into effective privacy screens on their own. Plant them with adequate space to reach full height and spread to minimize maintenance work.