The edge were tree meets field creates a haven for all sorts of critters.
Laurel Leaf Willow
I think I've identified this willow correctly. With Salix it's always a bit of a crap shoot. There are so many, and they aren't shy about cross breeding.
This willow is one that was on our land when I moved here. (Pictures to come.) Makes a reasonable sized tree, with leaves that are about 3-4 inches long, an inch wide, and very dark shiny green.
Laurel willow is a classic little kid's lollypop tree: Big round ball on a short trunk. Width is typically the same as height. Plant with greater spacing. I suggest 20 foot spacing, and a corresponding wider aisle to the next shelterbelt row.
Laurel willow is sensitive to alkali soils. Evidence of this: Space between the veins fades to yellow-green, while the veins remain yellow. Treat with chelated iron. Follow up with 1 lb/square yard of sulfur from trunk to 1.5 times radius of drip line. Sulfur takes a year to become active. Follow up with soil tests taking sames from 2, 6 and 10 inches below the drip line. Measure pH. If your subsoil has free lime in it, you may not be able to control pH.
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Sherwood's Forests is located about 75 km southwest of Edmonton, Alberta. Please refer to the map on our Contact page for directions.