Do you have a willow in decline? Don't worry: Willows and poplars can be easily planted from cuttings. You can enjoy the life of your majestic and mature tree while you watch a new tree grow. Here are some tips for successful planting:
- Cuttings should be collected from HEALTHY trees in spring just before bud break; put cuttings in sealed plastic bags and put in cold storage (fridge, basement) at 5 degrees for a week or so until ground thaws.
- Harvest from the previous season's growth, the last 25 cms of the branches where at least five buds are showing
- You can plant directly where you want the new tree to grow, but the best way is to treat the cutting to a garden plot for the first year of its life
- Cuttings will take root quickly if you soak in water for THREE days before planting (but not more than three--you want it to show roots in soil, not the water)
- Keep soil loose and plant vertically to the full depth of the cutting with the buds facing upward; pack soil firmly and water immediately
- Plant a few cuttings to increase your odds (keep them at least six inches apart to prevent their roots from tangling)
- Water often when soil is dry, and weed to give the cutting the best chance of survival. Don't waterlog the soil.
- If you transplant to permanent location, do so after one growing season; cuttings will produce lots of roots in first season and will be difficult to move after a year
- Transplant in early spring and mulch/water for best survival rates
