Planting Instructions

These instructions generally apply to planting all of our products. See our FAQ or contact us for further questions or clarifications.

When to Plant Your Willows

Your products should arrive at a time conducive to planting which is based on your USDA Hardiness Zone. The best time to plant is after the ground thaws. A good indication of this is when dandelions begin to bloom. Your cuttings can safely remain in their packaging for one to two weeks – just be sure to store them in your refrigerator. We’ve had cuttings put forth roots after nearly a year in the fridge but the sooner they’re planted the better! Do not store in freezer.

It is beneficial to soak your cuttings in water overnight before planting.

Where to Plant Your Willow

Willows are a full-to-mostly-full-sun species. They will tolerate partial shade but prefer full sun to reach their potential. We have never used fertilizers at the nursery, though adding organic matter to your planting area will always benefit your soil. The key is to retain as much moisture as you can around your new plantings. New willow roots are extremely delicate and dry out very easily. Keeping your soil damp is vital!

Competition in your new planting area will be fierce. Use 6 mil plastic, straw, or landscaping fabric to keep weed growth down. Do NOT use mulch (dyed especially) as it can trap heat, which will cook your plantings!

Caution

We have a comprehensive list of considerations for your site selection. A few quick rules of thumb: willow roots can travel up to 1 1/2 times their eventual height to find water; do not plant under wires; do not plant next to buildings. Water, water, water! Again, keeping your cuttings moist while they’re growing is vital!

Do NOT – under ANY circumstances – dig up your cuttings in order to check their vitality. Transplanting a healthy willow is fine but beware they may experience shock.

How to Plant Your Willow

Planting most willows is remarkably easy. Simply use a pointed tool such as a tire iron or piece of rebar. You’ll want to make a hole the size of your cuttings in the ground. The hole should have a depth that will leave 1 to 2 inches of the cutting above ground. Ensure the buds are oriented upwards ( ^ ). They WILL die if planted upside down! You want the cutting to fit snugly into the hole. You don’t want any significant space between the cutting and the soil, nor for the area to be so compact that the delicate roots are unable to establish themselves. Some species require a lighter touch, or your cuttings might be a little thinner. That’s fine! We’ve gotten twigs to root! When in doubt, break out the shovel to loosen things up.

Spacing

Willows should be planted a minimum of 12 inches apart. Spacing also depends on your objective – basket rods, erosion control, hedge, etc. See additional resources on our site to help you determine the best spacing. When planting several varieties in close proximity, note the path of the sun across the sky. If possible, plant the rows of each variety perpendicular to the path the sun takes. If not, be sure that your taller varieties are planted behind the shorter.

Watering

The first month in the ground is crucial for your cuttings. During your initial planting you’ll want to soak the area. Not only does it start you off on a good foot, but it also makes planting easier. Continue to water weekly until you see plenty of leaves, then cut back to once a month. We recommend using drip irrigation on a timer. Our nurseries are on clay/loam soil. We rarely need to water once they’re established except for during times of drought.

When to Prune Your Willow

The best time to do any major pruning is when the plant is dormant, or when there are no leaves. Minor pruning can be done at any time. For new plantings, do not prune for first year.

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No portion of these instructions may be reproduced without the written permission of the Vermont Willow Nursery, 1943 Ridge Road North, Fairfield, VT 05455.