A pot-based experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different chloride concentrations (0-422 mmol l(-1)) on the growth of transplanted saplings of Salix viminalis (clone Q683). Chloride had a very rapid effect on the growth and development of the willow plants and on evapotranspiration (ETa). The degree of reduction in ETa of willows was directly related to chloride concentration and, in the short term, evaporative demand. Sustainable growth and development of willow is unlikely at chloride concentrations greater than 70 mmol l(-1). Further investigations into the management of solute accumulation in the root zone are required in order to develop effective landfill leachate irrigation strategies for trees.