REV106853 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

FRIENDS IN LON PLACER Part 1. Aillow Establishment One of the key natural elements in embankment stabilization along streams and reservoirs is the armoring provided by the roots of willow and other wetland/riparian plants. The top growth of shrubs and small trees also contribute to the structural value of wildlife habitat and provide shade and cover for any fisheries present. Establishing species of willow is a very simple operation, requiring a knowledge of the ground water elevation and fluctuations, using the techniques described below. Dormant cuttings from willow shrubs are selected from stands growing near the site. Care should be taken to select only ,/ healthy stems (no cankers, hail damage, scale insect ~,? ~clc f~~. infestations, etc.) while plants are dormant (~~:.~~Ma~". Willow cuttings are prepared by removing mature stems (1/2 to 7/8 inch in diameter) from selected shrubs with a lopping shears, trimming all lateral growth with a pruning shears and cutting the stems to lengths of 18 - 30 inches. These cuttings are immediately placed in a container with the lower six inches in water, then transferred directly to the introduction site. Willow cuttings do best when planted so that only the lower portion (12-24 inches) of the stem is in contact with the ground water table. Do not plant cuttings in areas where soils are under water or are saturated at the surface through the growing season. Depending on the type of soil, cuttings could be pressed directly into the soil, or inserted into guide holes made by pikes constructed from 5/8 inch steel reinforcement bars. Approximately 4-6 inches of the stem should remain exposed above the ground surface. Following insertion, the soil should be tamped around the cutting. Willow cuttings are probably most successful when planted vertically into the soil. However, planting at an angle of up to 45 degrees is acceptable, as long as the ground water contact with the lower stem portion is maintained during the growing season. Planting densities should be determined by need, on a site-specific basis, but a good rule of thumb is placing cuttings 2 to 4 feet apart. It is often wise to plant additional cuttings, since some may not survive. Should monitoring show this to be true, it is very simple to replace willow cuttings the following spring, although the ground water elevations may also require reevaluation, to determine if adequate moisture is available to support the cuttings. New growth from willow cuttings may be selected for preferred forage by elk and deer. For the most part, no long term ill effects result, but "bushier" shrubs will result from this type of use. The important part of the plant for stabilization is the root mass. Although dependent on the species selected and the site location, first-year growth of 4-12 feet has been observed.