Where to Buy Willow Cuttings: A Guide to Sourcing Willow Branches for Your Landscape Projects

Willow cuttings are an excellent way to add beauty, privacy, and natural elements to your yard or garden Willows root easily from cut branches, allowing you to propagate the fast-growing trees at low cost. When searching for willow cuttings for sale, it helps to understand the different types available and where to source quality materials. This guide covers everything you need to know about purchasing willow tree cuttings for DIY gardens.

Overview of Willow Cuttings

Willow cuttings are branches or stems cut from live willow trees that can be planted to grow new willow plants. Key facts about willow cuttings:

• Take 6-12 inch cuttings from 1-3 year old willow growth

• Can be planted in spring once ground thaws

• Root quickly when inserted into moist soil

• Used to grow willow for baskets, living sculptures, erosion control, and more

• Provide a cheap way to establish willow trees vs. container plants

• Allow propagating specific willow tree cultivars

Benefits of Starting Willows from Cuttings

Taking cuttings from live willow trees offers many advantages over purchasing container-grown plants:

• Lower cost – Cuttings are an affordable way to get lots of new willow trees

• Rapid growth – Cuttings root quickly and grow faster than container plants

• Genetic identicals – Cuttings produce trees genetically identical to the parent

• Specific cultivars – Propagate rare or desired willow varieties

• Regional adaptation – Local cuttings are adapted to your climate

• Materials for crafts – Use cuttings to grow willow for basketry and sculpture

Where to Source Willow Cuttings

You can obtain willow cuttings from a few different sources:

• Local nurseries or farms – Some offer cuttings for sale in spring

• Online vendors – Specialized websites sell cuttings shipped across the U.S.

• Private landowners – Ask neighbors or farmers if you can cut on their property

• Public parks or land – Get permit to take cuttings from willows on public property

• Your own trees – Prune and propagate your own willows

Types of Willow Cuttings Available

There are a few main types of willow cuttings suitable for growing new trees:

• Large cuttings – 10-20 inch branches for structural projects

• Rod cuttings – 4-8 inch flexible whips for baskets and weaving

• Stakes or poles – Long, straight branches over 6 feet tall

• Variety bundles – Mixed species or types in one bundle

Key Species of Willow Cuttings

Some of the most popular willow species sold as cuttings include:

• Salix viminalis – Common Osier willow, excellent for weaving

• Salix purpurea – Purple willow, attractive reddish branches

• Salix alba – White willow, fast growing with colorful stems

• Salix fragilis – Crack willow, good for erosion control

• Salix integra – Japanese willow, full dwarf shrub

Buying Considerations When Purchasing Cuttings

Keep these important factors in mind when buying willow cuttings:

• Time of year – Buy in early spring once ground thaws

• Cutting size and age – 1-2 year old wood, 6-24 inches long

• Quality – Look for healthy, flexible, undamaged branches

• Supplied varieties – Select species suited to your planting zone

• Quantity discounts – Bulk orders can significantly reduce per-stick cost

• Shipping – Ensure seller packages with care to avoid drying out

• Planting instructions – Reputable sellers provide guidance on planting

Where to Buy Willow Cuttings Online

Several reliable online sellers offer willow cuttings shipped nationwide:

• Gardens North – Canadian company offering cuttings of 30+ willow species

• Willows Variety – Wisconsin supplier with purple, scarlet, and yellow willows

• American Willow – New York small farm providing mixed willow bundles

• Living Willow Farm – Ohio artists growing colorful willows for sculptures

• Sunny Meadows Flower Farm – NY nursery with DIY willow garden bundles

Buying Local Willow Cuttings In-Person

You may be able to source willow cuttings from local sources like:

• Independent nurseries – Some grow their own willows and sell cuttings

• Nature centers – Non-profits sometimes sell willow sticks from managed land

• Craft fairs – Artists may sell willow cuttings along with their work

• Farmer’s markets – Producers might offer cuttings from willow plantings

• Municipal offices – Parks departments sometimes give cuttings from public land

How Many Cuttings to Purchase

The number of cuttings needed depends on the size of area to be planted:

• Small garden border – 50-100 cuttings

• Privacy screen – 100-300 cuttings

• Living willow fence – 300-500 cuttings

• Half acre plantation – 500-1,000 cuttings

Request 10-25% extra to account for plants that don’t establish.

Estimated Prices of Willow Cuttings

Willow cuttings range from $1-5 per stick, with price influenced by:

• Cutting length and thickness – Longer is more expensive

• Species – Unique varieties cost more than standard types

• Purchase quantity – Buying in bulk lowers per-stick price

• Season – Early spring availability before leaf emergence may increase cost

Preparing for Planting Willow Cuttings

Before your cuttings arrive, prepare your planting site by:

• Selecting a spot in full sun with well-draining soil

• Removing all competing grass and weeds which hinder growth

• Loosening soil and mixing in compost to enrich

• Installing irrigation if rainfall is insufficient

• Planning planting layout and spacing for intended purpose

How to Plant and Grow Willow Cuttings

To plant and establish willows from dormant cuttings:

1. Soak cuttings in water for 24 hours before planting to hydrate.

2. Prepare holes or trenches at your planting site based on layout plans. Holes should be 6-12 inches deep to accommodate cutting length.

3. Insert cuttings vertically into holes in moist soil with at least 2-4 buds underground. Pack soil firmly around each.

4. Water thoroughly after planting and cover area with mulch to retain moisture.

5. Keep soil consistently damp until new growth emerges in 4-6 weeks.

6. Once established, coppice yearly to promote productive growth.

Willow cuttings offer an easy, inexpensive way to propagate graceful willow trees with myriad uses. When sourcing cuttings, look for quality, local species sold by reputable vendors. Prepare soil before planting dormant sticks in early spring when the ground thaws. With proper planting and care, cuttings quickly root and provide material for living sculptures, garden features, basketry, and more. Get your landscape design powered by beautiful, useful willows started with the right cuttings this season.