The willow tree, with its graceful branches and lush green leaves, is a lovely sight at The Roost. But beyond its fluttering leaves, willow holds a multitude of practical uses that we’ve come to appreciate and embrace and that’s how it’s become an integral part of life here at The Roost.
Using Willow for Sustainable Fencing and Repairs
The journey towards sustainability is paved with green intentions and we’ve found a remarkable ally in the willow trees. Firstly with our willow woven fencing.
The process of mending and creating fences with willow is both practical and beautiful. The branches, known for their flexibility and strength, are harvested each autumn and woven together with precision by Kevin Wynn of Wye Landscaping. This method of fence construction is fascinating, requiring an understanding of the natural properties of willow and a creative vision.
The benefits of willow fencing are numerous. Firstly, it’s a cycle of renewal and sustainability that is hard to match. As a rapidly renewable resource, its use reduces the demand on other fencing materials. Add to that the biodegradable nature of willow means that once these fences have served their purpose, they rot down leaving no environmental footprint.
This approach also enhances the look of things here The Roost. The willow fences blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, almost as if they sprouted from the ground of their own accord.
Crafting Willow Structures
Kevin’s creativity really comes to the fore when crafting the willow structures onsite – transforming the supple branches into creations that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. When the yearly essential repairs have been carried out, he uses the remaining branches to create archways, screening & partitions and, this year, beautiful enclosures around the firepits.
Willow: A Tree That Keeps Giving
The virtues of the willow tree extend far beyond its beauty.
In the past, the bark of the willow, rich in salicylic acid, the precursor to aspirin, was used as a painkiller – I haven’t been tempted to try this however – far easier to take a paracetamol!
In addition to its pain-relieving properties it is a gardener’s best friend. Willow branches take root extremely easily – if you pushed a branch in damp ground in Autumn, in spring you would be pretty much guaranteed to have a new willow tree growing.
Heard of willow water? Put the cut branches in the bucket of water and within a week you will see roots beginning to develop – and the water is now steeped in rooting hormones that can help other plants and cuttings develop strong roots too.
So there it is – Willow is the muts nuts and my all time favourite tree! Be prepared to see a lot more of it at the Roost.
