Approximately 4 yrs ago I planted, what I thought, would be a SMALL hakuro nashiki tree but to my dismay is now rather large to the point I have to prune it about once a month to keep it from getting out of hand. I am concerned about the roots as the tree is planted close to the house and septic tank. Do you recommend transplanting? Something I might be able to do myself without hiring a professional? If you recommend removal, please provide the specific cultivar for the small nashiki.
thanks !!!!!

The good news is that they are pretty easy to move. this is best done in the late fall or winter months. Cut back the foliage to faciliate transplanting.

I just recently discovered this plant—and promptly bought myself two! It is a type of willow—most often called “dappled willow” because the foliage is a mottled white/green—emerging as a pretty pink first.

It is generally considered a dwarf willow—a small tree or large shrub, growing naturally to about 10 x10 in the ground, or as a grafted standard tree form.

The flowers are yellowish catkins, emerging in early spring, just before the foliage. The leaves range from 2-4 inches long and the stems will turn a pretty red in winter. Pruning often improves both the leaf color and the stem color, as the best color is on new growth.

‘Hakuro-nishiki’ needs full sun and lots of water and fertilizer to produce the best color. Pruning back in late winter or very early spring to 12 inches will help to keep the plant in bounds during the growing season.

Willows are reputed to have fast growing aggressive root systems and therefore the fear that a full sized willow will ‘attack’ a septic system is not unfounded. Dwarf willow roots can be aggressive as well, likely extending out 3 times the width of the plant. To reduce homeowner stress, plant willows well away from lateral lines or keep them in containers.

Like other willows, dappled willows are susceptible to a long list of disease problems including blight, cankers, crown gall, fungal root rot, rust, powdery mildew leaf spot and scab. Insect pest problems may include aphids, scale, borers, lacebugs, beetles and various caterpillars. More often than not, damaged branches can be removed form an otherwise healthy willow and it will fill back in with a short amount of time.