Weeping willow in need of surgery, any advice?

[Honeymonster]

We have had a large weeping willow in our front lawn since we moved in to our house but have never done any drastic pruning/copicing. It is quite large and gnarled now and this year dropped its leaves early as well as a couple of large limbs that came down with no help from storm or strong wind. We also spotted some black aphid like creatures in plaques on the lower hanging shoots which we would like to remove. Worried that it might die, I am thinking of doing a bit of pruning to it to hopefully prolong its life and promote new growth for the spring. I read that this was the time of year to do it as the tree would be in a dormant stage.
I would appreciate any advice on where to cut, and how much. Also should I use an appropriate sealant to prevent infection on the cut branches?

Thanks

Dave

 

[00chris85]

from the look of your tree in the picture and what you had said...i think it is time to bring it down, as for a sealent for the cuts. i don't know what you guys have over in the uk but in canada it is now considered bad pratice to seal the wounds with anything. some people may disagree with me but that it what i was always taught. the reason for not sealing the wound is simply you are alowing moisture and in time bugs and disease to sit under it and rott the tree further.
hope this helps....

 

[Dadatwins]

From the pic it looks like the willow might be dead already. From your description of leaves dropping and limbs breaking off, I don't like the possible outcome. I would suggest getting a qualified arborist to take a close look at the tree and make a determination. Willow is hard to kill, but they do require a lot of water. Good luck.

 

[Adkpk]

Willow can be cut down to the stump and still grow back. Unless something is invading the root system you should be able to bring it back after cutting whatever you can to make it look better. Is it hollow inside?

 

[Honeymonster]

Thanks for the info everyone. I think its still alive. It is not hollow and still pretty strong and any limbs that came off appear to be quite healthy. Thats interesting about the policy on sealing cut branches, it certainly makes a lot of sense, i suppose the stumps need to dry out and seal themselves. I dont think the problem is lack of water, its been in the same position for over 20 years and this summer was one of the wettest on record. Our town actually flooded and the Thames near us broke its banks!! I thought maybe the high water table and its close proximity to drainage (i.e. sewage pipes) may have caused some spillover underground and affected the tree? who knows.
Are there any specific donts about how to cut? Ive read that its good to wash/sterilize your pruning saw before cutting. other than that is it just a case of going to town on that mother? We did have some "tree specialists" come in to do some work but they were total yahoos, they cut 3 small branches and charged £160. I guess thats why I thought I'd have a go.

 

[Aaction]

The flooding may contained sewage, which can cause an over-supply of nutrients, giving you tree a dose of "uppers".
Any pruning should be confined to dead branches and be cut to a branch junction or collar, being very careful not to damage the branch bark ridge, which contains healing chemicals (Tyloses) and aid the tree to compartmentaize tihe wound.

 

[00chris85]

willow is a really tricky tree over in my area just a month ago a "healthy" looking willow crashed down on a garden party killing one women and trapping i think 3 others. and i have seen these trees look healthy with only 3" of good wood all the way around in a trunk.

 

[Gumnuts]

and i have seen these trees look healthy with only 3" of good wood all the way around in a trunk.

Willow is extremely deceptive.The timber is brittle.Am vary wary when quoting ,climbing and lopping.Get a quote for advise and possible drill test from arborist.Its not the best choice for a tree that borders the street common.Maybe even a call to your council will get their arborist out to check
for you.Really -be carefull with this one .

 

[phil g]

i recently took down a large willow , the logs at the yard have now sprouted new shoots six weeks on after being cut ! im actually considering planting them !

 

[Gumnuts]

i recently took down a large willow , the logs at the yard have now sprouted new shoots six weeks on after being cut ! im actually considering planting them !

Theyre a great tree for soak areas- not that you didn't already know.
Watched a really interesting show about this guy who did trunking /planted
large sections / limbs of many differant trees / like the average gardener plants cuttings ,he was striking new growth on amazingly large sections .ie 6-10 ft long limbs.Getting them to shoot and selling them off as larger trees that commanded a much higher price than say , saplings. great for establishing hedgerows / driveways and windbreaks.

Aplogies if detracting from your thread HONEYMONSTER - any bliss with your Willow ?

 

[phil g]

there planted now , wait and see what happens !

dodgy wood though willow never really does what it says on the tin !