Is my Salix Integra doing ok?

Hello!

I planted my salix integra in September/October 2022, but it's basically been like this ever since.

I've mulched and fed it this month, but is it actually growing? When should I see anything?? I'm in the north west of the Uk, if that helps.

 

I would check the graft point near the top. The tree is tied to a cane (probably not needed now), so check the tie is nice and loose or remove the cane. They are also slow growing trees, especially the variegated one.

 

It's only just been planted a few months ago. In tree terms, it's like being in place for five minutes
The fact that it has new green growth is a good sign, so don't worry. If the soil is in good condition, it won't need any food. Ideally, you would just add a little general food like BF&Bone on planting, and then that mulching with organic matter will help it to thrive.
It may have been worth making that area bigger by taking more turf away, because grass is always competition for moisture, in particular. I'd take the cane away too, but if the site's windy, and as it hasn't been in there long, it may benefit from a low, angled stake. That helps the root ball stay firm, but allows the top to move.
As @BobTG says, they're slow growing, and the variegated ones can be a bit hit and miss, so watch out for it reverting back to green if that's the one you have. If you're in an area that's prone to having long dry spells, just make sure it doesn't dry out over summer. By autumn it should be well established

 

Thanks both for your advice. The string around it is very loose, I left the cane in because it’s a very windy spot and with all the storms I was worried about it! But I’ll look at adding the small stake as @fairygirl has suggested

with it being planted nearly 18 months ago I thought it should have grown a bit more by now! But I’ll try and be a bit more patient with it

 

It will have been doing its growing underground … getting the roots established. Don’t worry, as long as it’s not allowed to dry out it’ll be fine. And yes … if it’s in a windy spot I’d definitely stake it properly as @fairygirl advises.

info here How to stake a tree / RHS Gardening

 

First year sleep, second year creep, third year leap is a good way to look at long lasting perennials. They essentially take some time to settle in and grow enough roots to produce the top growth before they may romp away if a vigorous species.

 

Im glad to hear that! How long would you suggest the stake needs to be in the ground for?

 

If it’s a very windy spot I’d leave it in (regularly checked of course) for the life of the tree. The top of a ‘lollipop’ tree can really catch the wind and whip about acting like a lever putting strain on the roots in windy weather … and if the roots are subjected to a degree of movement in the soil it could trigger the development of suckers from the root stock, which will he a nuisance to remove.

 

Apologies @aspadora - I thought it was last autumn it was planted. Brain not working properly!
However, it looks quite sizeable, so as @Dovefromabove has said, the work gets done underground before you start to get noticeable top, especially with this type of culture - ie lollipop. As long as it wasn't root/pot bound when it was planted, it should be fine. It's just a question of time.
I'd certainly get a proper stake in, or even two - where you have one in each direction to help with stability. I expect that's what's described in Dove's link. Just check it regularly as it grows to make sure the tie isn't cutting into the main trunk
There's a row of around five or so along a fence boundary in a garden not far from me. They're the Flamingo type, and about 4 feet in height. They're certainly nice and upright, but they're completely sheltered from the prevailing wind, and that makes it much easier than in a more exposed site.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone, really appreciated!

final question, do you think instead of a stake I could just put the cane in at the 45deg like I would the stake, but only during winter months when it is likely to be very windy? I don’t like the idea of leaving a stake in (for aesthetic reasons haha).

 

A cane isn't sturdy enough as the tree matures. It's easy to underestimate how top heavy that sort of specimen gets.
If you stake it- you have to leave it there until the root system is properly established.

 

fair enough, I will go look for some stakes then! Thank you!