Prune in spring just as leaves emerge to remove winter damage. To maintain a single trunk, prune only the lowest limbs every spring until the tree is as tall as you want it. Most desert willow trees produce seedpods that may be safely removed anytime. Desert willow tree is not susceptible to pests or diseases.Click to see full answer. Just so, are desert willow trees messy?Desert willows are best known for their showy flowers. I suppose, if there is a downside to desert willow, it is this messy seasonal dropping of pods and seeds. On many cultivars and native grown trees, the seeds may germinate in a moist seedbed. Some cultivars do not produce seed pods.Also, how fast does a desert willow grow? A fast growing tree, it can grow 2-3 feet a year and reach heights of 30 feet. By nature it’s a multi-trunked tree but can be pruned into a single trunk specimen or grown as a small shrub. Also asked, how do you grow desert willow? Desert willow seed germination can be improved by soaking the seeds a few hours prior to sowing either in water or a mild solution of vinegar. Sow the seeds no deeper than ¼ inch deep in flats or nursery pots. Keep the soil relatively moist and, within 1-3 weeks, desert willow seed germination will take place.What does a desert willow look like? Chilopsis linearis The Desert Willow is an upright shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 25 feet. The trunk grows up to 6 inches in diameter and has dark brown, scaly bark. Narrow, alternate, light-green leaves are 3 to 6 inches long with very pointed ends. Slender brown twigs are often hairy or sticky.