Is a Living Structure Right for You?

Willow structures are a beautiful installation to any garden or walking path. As with planting cuttings, you must consider if you have an area conducive for willow. Ask yourself the following:

  • Do you have the space? Willow roots can travel up to 1 ½ times their eventual height.
  • Tree roots will find the easiest source of water. Willows are particularly good at it. Porous features such as buried irrigation, septic fields, unsealed pipes, etc will find themselves plugged by roots. Willows have no respect for our property boundaries, so check with your neighbor too.
  • Willows are exceptionally vigorous. Even with regular coppicing, some varieties can grow 10 ft in a year. Care must be taken when planting near wires or buildings.
  • Do you have enough sun? Full-to-nearly-full sun is mandatory for willows to thrive. When shaded, willows become very sad and oftentimes die.
  • Is your planting area damp enough? All but a scant few willows require damp conditions. Willows are a very thirsty plant. Take note of conditions during your area’s drier months. If your proposed area becomes parched, it will likely not support a structure without assistance.
  • How tidy do you want to keep your structure? Depending on your goals, annual or bi-annual maintenance will be needed. If done regularly, willows are easy to keep under control. Even if you miss a few annual trimmings, Lisa cleaned up an abandoned structure at the nursery in a few hours.

If you’re unsure if the area will support a structure, consider planting a few cuttings or rods first. Structures have a high initial investment but will require minimal attention once established.

Since the rods will have no established root system, they will need extra help meeting their water needs during their first year. Plan for some sort of irrigation such as drip lines or sprinklers.

Much of the growth for the first year will be spent on rooting and only some pushing out shoots and leaves. Don’t expect too much growth above ground in the first season.

We fill our kits with varieties that are vigorous and straight-growing. Want a specific variety? Check out our selection of rods and design the space of your dreams. Want a taller structure? Simply let your rods grow to the desired length.

Newly Planted Tunnel

Dome at the Nursery

Varieties listed below are just a small example. Check our shop for even more!