Willow Cuttings, Willow Rods, and Living Willow Structures

Living Willow Structures

Living willow structures and sculptures are very easy to make. Children love constructing domes and tunnels with willow because it requires little skill and lots of imagination. Although almost any type of willow can be used for living willow structures, varieties such as Salix Viminalis are ideal. This is because they produce long straight rods without many side shoots which are easier to use for large structures. We offer a range of kits for domes, wigwams, tunnels, arches, fedges and arbours. We also of a bespoke design service. If you prefer we can also come and build the structure for you. The photo shows early stage of build of a willow dome at the centre of a willow fedge maze in the shape of a large snail.

Willow Varieties

We have 20 varieties of willow for sale currently including fast growing hybrids. Salix Viminalis Rods offered are from 1.5m to 4.0m long. Cuttings and rods are not rooted, but will grow readily, full instructions provided with all purchases. Our structures offered use Salix Viminalis variety, this is because they produce long straight rods without side shoots which makes them ideal to use for structures.

Willow Cuttings / Willow Sticks

Willow will grow readily from stem cuttings making propagation very straightforward. Live willow cuttings (sometimes referred to as willow sticks or willow wands) are available from 1st November to the end of March. They are 25cm long and vary in thickness depending on the variety chosen. See our Willow Varieties section for list of the varieties offered along with a brief description. Typically delivered Post office standard parcels service.

Willow Rods

Willow Rods (also referred to as Willow Whips, Withies, Wands, Stems or Sticks) are offered in varieties that produce straight long stems with few side shoots. Willow rods, are offered in 1.5m, 2.0m, 2.5m, 3.0m, 3.5m and 4.0m lengths, and in bundles of 10, 100, and 1000. The best variety for producing good rods is Salix Viminalis. The rods are superb for building Living Willow structures, such as Fedges, or simple hedges.  To purchase Willow rods, please visit our Online Shop for pricing & ordering. Typically delivered Tuffnells UK wide, flat rate £15 for mainland UK. For other UK areas please request quote. Ideal for making a willow dome or willow wigwam.

Willow Spiling Riverbank Stabilisation

Willow Spiling is a traditional technique for stabilising and preventing erosion of riverbanks. Freshly cut living willow stakes and rods provide a highly effective barrier for riverbank stabilisation. We can supply both the willow stakes and willow rods, as well as offering advice and services for Spiling work. To purchase Willow spiling kits, please visit our Online Shop for pricing & ordering.

Willow Screening

Willow is excellent for screening, there are a range of options including willow fedge,  willow  hedge, willow wall, willow panels, or simply densely planted wide bands of willow cuttings for noise reduction next to busy roads. Willow is ideal as it is fast growing and easy to propagate.

Willow for Schools

Living willow structures and sculptures are very easy to make, and are a fun activity for children. Schools can browse this site and online shop and simply email us requirements, we will invoice you after delivery. We also offer service where we come and work with the children to build structures, either standard ones or bespoke designs. The photo shows children after completing their willow dome.

Willow Planting & Maintenance

Willow is very adaptable, in the UK climate it will survive almost anywhere. Willow will tolerate some shade, but grows best in bright sunshine, and will grow on moist, dry or fertile sites as well as in poor soil. This plant will actually improve poor soil and clean polluted sites. Always plant in the winter (November to March). We offer maintenance service UK wide for willow structures, please contact us for a quote. Photo shows a few weeks growth on newly planted Common Osier willow cuttings.

Biomass Willow Hybrids

We offer extremely fast growing willow hybrids, these are very popular for biomass fuel production, by way of both firewood logs and woodchip. The 25cm cuttings are ideal for woodchip production.