When you prune your willow tree, you’re often left with a massive pile of branches. But don’t toss them in the green bin just yet! Willow rods are incredibly versatile and can be used for dozens of DIY projects. Here’s a quick guide on how to harvest and use your willow so you can get even more enjoyment out of your garden.
How to Harvest Your Willow Rods
You can harvest branches from your own willow tree or even find them on public land (just check local rules first!). Timing is everything, though. During the summer, heavy pruning is usually a no-go because you might disturb nesting birds—in fact, there are often seasonal regulations against major cutting during the warmer months.
The best time to gather your material is during your regular willow pruning sessions. You can safely cut willow from October through February. Don’t worry about hurting the tree; willows are vigorous growers and will bounce back quickly in the spring. If you’re looking for the best “crafting” wood, some varieties are more flexible than others.
These species are famous for their bendy, easy-to-work-with rods:
- Common Osier (Basket Willow)
- Purple Willow
- White Willow
How to Work with Willow Rods
The key is to choose the right rod for the right project. Fresh, green shoots are incredibly flexible and can even continue to grow if you stick them in the ground. This makes them perfect if you want to build a living willow fence that will sprout leaves and turn into a “green wall.” On the other hand, if you need something sturdy and structural, older, thicker branches are your best bet.
For weaving, you’ll want to stick with younger rods—usually about a year old. These are supple enough to bend without snapping. You can take it slow and weave a rustic wreath, a garden obelisk, or even a traditional basket. There are tons of patterns online to get you started, but feel free to get creative! From simple garden decorations to functional furniture, the possibilities with willow are pretty much endless.