Can a weeping willow tree be beneficial to a yard that retains water?

Eucalyptus trees drained the swamps of many lands. And they feed those cute animals too, if you happen to have one.

How big is this yard & do you know if a septic tank/leach field or any type of utility pipeline (water/gas) is nearby? Weeping willow tree root systems are massive/expansive. The roots will grow at least 40 feet out from the trunk. The roots are attracted to water. So if there is a small leak in a pipeline nearby, the roots will destroy the pipeline.

If the location of where you want to plant the tree is near the house – be very careful about rainfall drainage off the house. Have gutters direct water away from the tree. Otherwise the roots will grow towards the house & can cause real damage the foundation.

Planting a willow tree is a very effective way of drying up a wet yard. Friend of mine planted one next to a small pond in their front yard. In a few years the pond had been soaked up. It works, but you have to be extremely careful/aware of your surroundings.

I second @rpm_pseud0name; while willows do very well in wet areas, they are know for their expansive roots that can damage house foundations. The roots are very shallow and actually push upward as the tree ages. They can crack walkways, driveways, even foundations, and get tangled in water and sewer lines.

They are very fast growers, and there are some smaller varieties.

Willows do very well in swampy surroundings. They like having their feet wet.

Wow, I was tying to think of a way to dry out a soft spot in the back yard. A weeping willow would be perfect. Thanks,

I’m with @zen I have a giant eucalyptus tree in my garden. I have clay soil and a wet but mild climate (West of Scotland) The tree does fantastically, the leaves smell great and the garden in that spot is dry. It looks nice too.

I looked up eucalyptus trees and they need good drainage and a climate similar to their native Australia. That leaves out Northwestern Pennsylvania. I am, however, going to find and plant a weeping willow. I think there’s a spring just under the back of my property. Since the ground is too soft to mow a nice water loving tree should work well.

I had blueberry bushes but the kids kept running them over with the lawnmower and the birds get the rest. Evidently blueberries go right through birds and the blue and with leftovers don’t look too good on a car.

@Ron_C If you have enough sun red twig dogwood is a gorgeous alternative plant for boggy areas.

All trees have the tendency to damage a yard (if roots are your concern) as well as human created projects (foundations, walkways, etc.) I find them quite beautiful and very shady. Sitting under them with a mint julip just brings back old memories.. Beneficial? At least to the point of beauitfication to a yard..

Small fruiting trees tend to have roots closer to the surface and in thick mats. Maybe an apple tree would be good?

Personally, I’d just plant a bunch of cattails and go with the whole marshy thing. Plus, I really like to eat cattails.

@syz I just ordered one. It should be here by the middle of next week. In the mean time I have to figure out how to dig a hole were water bubbles out of mole holes.