Weeping Willow- Planting

Q: I’m thinking of planting a weeping willow. The site is near a stream and is the wettest part of the yard when it rains. Are there any problems with this tree?

A: It sounds like you have a good site for weeping willow. In my experience, willow is not a long-lived tree in the South. I’ve seen some grow to a ripe old age but many succumb to insect pests, drought and winter damage within the first ten years. It also sheds limbs profusely, so it is not a good candidate for planting near your house.