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Propagation
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Alligin willows are supplied as unrooted cuttings, prepared ready to plant. Since cuttings require no transplanting, as opposed to rooted plugs, saplings suffer no setback and enjoy uninterrupted growth.
Cuttings are planted during the dormant season – December to early April – before new growth starts. Earlier rather than later planting is preferable, but will depend on local weather conditions. Planting cuttings later than March throughout early summer can be successful if thicker samples are used; having more energy in store to produce new roots and leaves. Once planted, cuttings will not be affected by frost or snow. Young saplings should be pruned (coppiced or pollarded) annually for 3 to 4 years to encourage ever more shoots from the base. If desired, the lower buds of pollarded stools may be rubbed off at the beginning of their second year to produce neater crowns. Site preparation Planted cuttings will very quickly start growth – forming roots below ground and shoots above. They can attain 6 – 8 feet in their first year. While larger cuttings can cope with moderate ground vegetation, cuttings will respond much more vigorously in their first 2 seasons if the planting area is rendered weed-free. If this is practicable, then 12 inch (30 cm) slips will be adequate. If they may have to compete with weeds or grass, plant 24 inch or even 36 inch cuttings. These larger cuttings have a greater store of energy, and also are more likely to reach down where the soil has more moisture. Weed and other vegetation eradication can be achieved on a small scale by digging, and organic manure or fertiliser can be added at this time although this is not essential unless the soil is impoverished or very acidic. Over larger planting sites, the ground can be ploughed with tractor or rotovated. The ground should be firmed before planting. Alternatively if there is heavy vegetation, mow, strim or admit grazing animals or poultry, to reduce this to ground level, then lay black polythene, woven polypropylene, fleece or wood bark to suppress weeds. Holes cut to take slips should be very small to prevent weeds from poking through beside the stem bases. Other mulching methods are mats, newspaper topped with straw, and manure. The easiest method is to apply a systemic herbicide (should contain glyphosate – e.g. ’Roundup' ® etc). Tools and Accessories suppliers. |
For a wide range of horticultural sundries including tree shelters, mulch matting, secateurs and loppers and fertilisers: The LBS Group, Stanroyd Mill, Cottontree Lane, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 7BW tel: 01282 - 873 333 They have a useful 192 page buyers guide email: custserv@lbs-group.co.uk www.lbs-horticulture.co.uk |
For Planting Bags, Spades etc.- Chieftain Forge, Block 4, Unit 1, Whiteside Industrial Estate, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 2RX tel: 01506 - 652 354 |
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Plant so:
Plant as soon as possible on receipt to maximise the length of their first growing season, and to avoid drying out. If this is not possible, e.g. ground frozen, store upright in a bucket with 1 or 2 inches of water, in a cool, frost – free shed, outhouse or garage. Planting method. Use a hammer and a thin metal bar or spike, on which you have marked the appropriate depth, to make a hole. Insert the cutting, slanted cut downwards, buds pointing upward, and heel firmly in. No support is necessary. No watering at planting time is normally necessary but they may appreciate help through an early drought. April plantings may need extra help with watering or irrigation. They will require protection from all livestock and poultry, also from deer and rabbits until the main growth is above rabbit height. Planting service A planting service for the elderly or infirm is available on the Scottish West Coast mainland and Isle of Skye. We are unable however to undertake site preparation. Please enquire for terms. After-care Try to maintain the weed-free condition for the first 2 seasons. This is true for all young trees. Subsequent to planting, if encroaching vegetation becomes a threat, while using systemic herbicide, protect saplings with tubes when spraying, leaving them until the spray has dried. For vigorous tidy growth, it is important to cut back your willows annually or biennially for several years, between December and March. Each time this is done they will produce increasing numbers of long straight rods. Then continue to trim as a hedge, or allow to attain full height as a shelter belt etc. Coppicing is useful for all purposes except windbreaks and hedges, for which pollarding is more suitable. |
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