Grey willow (Salix cinerea)

Planting information

Spacing
Trees: plant trees roughly 2m apart. Consider the final size of the tree, nearby buildings, services and other plants to avoid future damage to the roots and canopy as the tree grows.

Hedgerow: to produce a single row, plant trees around 30cm apart. For a thick hedge, plant in two rows with equal staggering of 50cm between saplings and 40cm between rows.

Tree protection
If your sapling could be at risk from animals like rabbits or deer, consider protecting them. Take a look at our tree protection options.

Best time to plant
October–March (dormant season): ideal planting time.

April–September: saplings are growing fast and should be planted as soon as possible. Take a little extra care over the warmer months.
If you need to delay planting for a few weeks, keep saplings moist, in light conditions and free from frost and wind.

Ongoing care
Weed around the base to reduce competition for nutrients.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
For detailed guidance, take a look at our tree care instructions.

Free delivery 

Free standard delivery for all trees within 10 working days. Orders of more than 900 trees may take longer. 

Order information 

We are unable to hold or delay orders.

To reduce packaging waste and minimise environmental impact, multiple items ordered together may be packed in a single box. All trees will remain fully protected during delivery. If you would prefer your trees to be packaged separately, please contact our support services team via email at shop@woodlandtrust.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Please note: If your order contains a mix of product types (e.g. trees, tree gifts, tree protection items, merchandise or subsidised packs), items may be delivered separately. This means your order may arrive in more than one delivery.

Sapling appearance 

You will receive a cell-grown sapling, approximately 15–60cm in height. Depending on the season (especially early spring), your sapling may not look very perky on arrival. Don’t worry – once planted, it should recover quickly. 

Shipping restrictions 

We do not deliver to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. 

Further information 

You can find more information about delivery and packaging in our frequently asked questions.

Hot weather is tough for even the most established trees, so your saplings will need extra care and attention as the temperature rises. 

Only water if there’s a particularly long, dry spell and make sure it soaks deep into the soil. 

• Don’t water too often, but when you do, saturate the ground. 
• Give saplings more water than older, more established trees. 
• Keep a one metre diameter around the base free of weeds and grass. 
• Add mulch around the base to trap moisture and protect your tree. 

To keep your trees healthy in the heat, we’re aiming to reduce transport time. This might mean your saplings are dispatched later during warmer periods, but we'll work hard to get them to you on time. We advise that you plant your saplings as soon as they arrive to help them thrive. 

Please see here a link to our FAQs for more detail on trees delivery.