Jeff
Willows contain a plant hormone that promotes rooting so they are easy to propagate. A cut branch can actually be stuck directly into moist soil in the summer and roots will develop after only a few short weeks. To root other times during the year, you can start them in a vase of water and transplant them outside in the spring. Use cuttings that are about 1/2 to 1 inch thick in diameter and about 12 - 16 inches long. You can pound them into the ground with a rubber mallet until only a couple of leaf nodes (1-2 inches of the cutting) remain above the ground. You can also tie bundles of cuttings together (each about as thick as a pencil and about 3 feet in length) and lay them horizontally in shallow trenches. This will create a dense "fence" effect as the cuttings sprout. Remember that willows are invasive and grow massive roots. Keep new cuttings well away from driveways and sidewalks, foundations and septic systems.
About The Author: Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
Read feedback for this post below. Click here to post feedback.
By
04/01/2013
Willow trees have a natural rooting hormone. You can take a branch that has fallen off or one you have cut off.
Toward the bottom scrape the bark slightly. This will help the rooting hormone come out. Then put the bottom of the branch in a pot of soil. Make sure the part where you put some scratches or scrapes is well covered in soil. Keep it damp. The branch should root probably in 5 to 6 weeks, possibly sooner. Then you will have a new willow tree.
It is said that you can put pieces of willow in a glass of water. Leave the pieces soaking. Then water your plants to produce good strong roots on your house plants. Willow trees are beautiful but very messy trees.
Good luck with your project.
Add your voice to the conversation.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Propagating a Weeping Willow Tree