General Question

simone54's avatar

Any use for willow branches?

Asked by simone54 (7629points) December 17th, 2013

I have this giant willow shrub by my pond in my yard. I tried to cut it down last year but it came back with a vengeance. I’m going to cut it down again and by that I mean cut of the thousands branches coming out of the stump. They are pretty strong and bendable. Is there anything I can do with them? Can I sell them? Does anyone have a need for them?

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10 Answers

gailcalled's avatar

They are strong and supple and thus good for whips or scourges. Willow bark contains a chemical called salicin that is similar to aspirin, but I would not suggest that anyone gnaw on it. They can be used for chairs, baskets and some other craft projects. Source

“Things such as vases, mats, chairs, baskets and many other decorative or useful items can be woven from willow branches.”

http://www.ehow.com/info-tip_8185500_willow-tree-crafts.html#ixzz2nliLhHI3

How to weave a willow basket

syz's avatar

Crafts (I really like the fence around the raised bed garden).

longgone's avatar

You could ask local schools or kindergartens whether they’d like to build a willow teepee for free.

gailcalled's avatar

^^ That is a brilliant idea.

bossob's avatar

Willow bark salicin is used to make a homemade rooting hormone when taking cuttings of plants and getting them to grow roots.

YARNLADY's avatar

Offer them on Freecycle.org You will find someone who actually can use them.

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

If you have a biomass facility in your area, contact them. There are several research facilities looking into fast growing plant material as an alternative energy source.

Smitha's avatar

You can design your home using willow branches. Twisted willow branches can be used for floral arrangements.

Buttonstc's avatar

@Smitha

That headboard in the first picture is beautiful and definitely unique.

If I had a Willow for harvesting I would totally make a headboard like that (and possibly also a room divider separating dining/kitchen area from living room)

What great ideas !

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