Willow peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii)
A graceful evergreen tree with a narrow domed, compact form, that can reach a mature height of 40'. It has a spreading weeping canopy, that can reach a mature spread of 25 feet or more. They have a tendency to produce narrow branch attachments that can drop if they become a major scaffold branch. Young trees require formative pruning in early establishment to cultivate a canopy without the narrow branch attachments. Adult leaves are slightly broader than the juvenile leaves and are a dull grey-green color with a strong peppermint smell when crushed. They can develop a trunk diameter up to 30 wide with a trunk flare and root plate that is much wider. They have rough, thick, grey-brown bark which extends to the larger branches. They grow best is shallow soils or lower slopes and on ridges. Although they can tolerate drought and frost, they do not tolerate root pruning or root damage. Trees that have their roots pruned become stressed and subject to insect infestation which can lead to the further decline in health. Root pruned willow peppermint trees t end to become unstable and are prone to failure during high winds.
© Walter Warriner Consulting Arborist
