Basket Willow

Planting Instructions:

Willows will adapt to most soil types but prefer moist or wet soil. Similarly, the trees thrive in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Care is minimal although coppicing is required in winter to encourage flexible new growth in spring if timber is wanted for weaving.

Fertilizer isn’t generally required.

Willow Harvest & Use:

Other than weaving, basket willow can also be utilised in the food forest as a source of mulch/ramial woodchip material, providing nutrients to the surrounding plants. Branches can also be chopped & soaked in water for 24 hours to create a rooting hormone.

For some beginners information on how to weave, you can check out this guide to weaving a basket. It also includes information on how to harvest and prepare your willow.

Food Forest Notes:

Willows are often used for soil stabilisation, particularly along waterways. The early spring flowers can also be utilised to attract pollinators to the area.

Being fast growing, they can also provide shade & shelter in areas that are still being established, although we do find that they are not our fastest growing option for this job. We do however often use it in this manner alongside Kotukutuku (NZ tree fuchsia) & Tagasaste.

If you are looking to add colour to your food forest the red stems are attractive year round.