Willow

nickbachman

i know that willows are quite a hardy species, and almost all cuttings will root in wet sand. i read that they grow so fast that they may need to be repotted twice a year: in spring and mid-summer. i'm new to collecting from the wild, and i know that spring is the best time, and now is the worst time, but since the willow is so hardy, and would also be repotted at about this time, is it possible to collect them (trees, not cuttings) at this time of year as well?

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Jonny D

Hi Nick,

Can't directly answer your question but I would of thought that the only reason to collect now would be if the tree in question was doomed e.g.: a building site, other wise its better for all concerned, the tree and you (e.g.: pleanty of time to prepare) if the tree is collected in the late winter/earlyspring at the right time. Rather than stressing it out now. Unless its doomed leave it be, until the right time, just mark her up for collection (i.e.: remember where it is).

Jonny

nickbachman

thanks for the reply, jonny! the reason i'm so eager to collect it now is because it's right next to a pond (or "pit" if you're a hick) and it's been cut back previously this year, because it's in the way of fishing, and i fear that it'll just be cut down altogether, as it has sprung out many new shoots. we'll see how it goes. i had good luck with a maple i collected a couple weeks ago from my grandparent's farm that they're moving off of, which is why i did it. it's thriving and spitting out shoots everywhere! i'm hoping that means that i'm doing something right.

Jonny D

Well in that case, it either is definatley worth taking now as long as you have got permission, or alternativley you could try and find out who cut it back (could be difficult) and ask them there near future plans for it, theres not much growing season left so they might not be considering any further cutting back or removal at the moment, but might be worth checking to see if you can leave it for now. If you decide that now is best, then i would of thought keep as much root as posible (as i'm sure you no) and plant it in something big.

not much help, but something, alternative ideas.

jonny.