Weeping Willows

We have four weeping willows in our garden, three of which have become far too large. Yesterday was the start of a three-year major trimming program.

The first one to be severely pollarded, as shown in yesterdays blog, was the one adjacent to our well. Last year when we pumped the well dry the bottom 2 metres was a complete mat of fine roots. Willows are known for seeking out water this way.

So along came our woodman, M. Bourreau, full of enthusiasm. We would have been left with just a stump had he had his way! Under close supervision he cut just what we wanted and as you could see from yesterdays blog, left us with plenty to clear away.

The work has progressed and we have managed to clear the area and are pleased with the finished result...

Although it looks quite stark at the moment willow grows quite rapidly... This is a branch I trimmed last year at this time. All the thin branches are new growth....

We are expecting our tree to look something like this one,  photographed outside Richelieu camping site, in ?? years time.

The other bonus of course is we get part of our heating for winter 2013/14; that is once we have stacked it up.... or perhaps we should wait until my grandchildren arrive for Easter... Can't beat a bit of child labour!

The second one to face the chop next year at this time is to the left of the house...  you can see light through one of the main branches ....

That is if it stays up for another year!