Austree (Hybrid Willow): Fast Growth but Poor Landscape Tree

Austree is a heavily marketed hybrid willow touted for rapid growth (up to 6 feet per year). While it does grow fast, that speed comes with weak, brittle wood, constant twig drop, aggressive root suckers, and susceptibility to tent caterpillars and canker diseases.

Better Uses

On large properties, Austrees can function as a quick windbreak or privacy screen. They are not recommended as shade trees for home landscapes due to their messy, short-lived nature.