How to Draw a Willow Tree (Easy Step by Step)
A willow tree is fun to draw because its long, drooping branches make it look like it is gently swaying. It is built from a puffy cloud shape, two lines for the trunk, a curved hill, and lots of wavy lines hanging down.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a willow tree step by step
How to Draw a Willow Tree · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The leafy crown
Start at the left and draw a big, puffy cloud shape over the top with two round bumps. Bring the line down the right side, and let the right side come down a little lower than the left. Leave the bottom open for now.
Step 3: Scalloped bottom edge
Close the crown with a row of small, round scallops, like a wavy line of little hills. Start at the left side of the crown and end where the right side comes down.
Step 4: The trunk
Draw two long, slightly wobbly lines going straight down from the middle of the scalloped edge. Keep them a little apart so the trunk is thick and sturdy.
Step 5: The ground
Draw a gentle curved hill across the bottom, touching the feet of the trunk. Let it stretch wider than the tree on both sides.
Step 6: Hanging branches, left
On the left side of the trunk, draw five long wavy lines hanging down from the scalloped edge, like ribbons. Make them slightly different lengths.
Step 7: Hanging branches, right
Now do the same on the right side of the trunk, drawing four long wavy lines that hang down from the scalloped edge. Keep the lengths a little different.
Step 8: Little twigs
Add three tiny twigs. Draw each one as a short sideways line that connects two hanging branches, one on the left and two on the right.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your willow tree? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a honeycomb or how to draw an iceberg next.
Tips for drawing a willow tree
- Draw the crown first and keep it big, because it is the biggest part and gives you room for the branches below.
- Wavy hanging branches are the trickiest part, so draw them slowly from top to bottom and let your hand wiggle a little.
- Make the branches different lengths and leave small gaps between them so the tree does not look crowded.
Free willow tree coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this willow tree coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your willow tree drawing
Use soft greens and yellow-greens for the crown and branches, brown for the trunk, and a bright green for the grassy hill. For a creative twist, color the tree in autumn gold and orange.
Willow tree fun fact for kids
Willow trees often grow near rivers and ponds. The weeping willow gets its name from its long branches that droop down toward the ground.
Questions about drawing a willow tree
What shapes do I need to draw a willow tree?
You need a big puffy cloud shape for the crown, two long lines for the trunk, and a curved line for the ground. The branches are just long wavy lines.
How do I make my willow tree look like it is swaying?
Draw the hanging branches with gentle waves and make them different lengths. The little twigs between the branches add to the soft, swishy look.
Why are willow branches drawn hanging down?
Real willow branches are thin and bendy, so they droop toward the ground instead of pointing up. That is what makes a willow look different from other trees.
