Willow poles & tree sucker saplings

[Raven]

question one:
can I take a weeping willow branch and plonk it in the ground so it grows into a tree, same as the other willows supposedly do? and if so, any particular branch - young, older, fatter, straighter?

question two:
I found a sapling which I like the look of (running wild on the riverbank, but the council sprays so it could die whether I try and take it or not) but its growing from an exposed piece of root from mumma tree - is there any way to harvest this sapling?

question two part b:
those suckers which grow off (spring out of the base or main trunk of) the main tree - how does one harvest those to replant into a stand-alone tree?

 

[Weevilgenius]

1. weeping willows will be grafted onto non-weeping root stock (so you get a straight length of trunk) you would get a from-ground-level weeping willow if you take a cutting.

2. dig the sapling you like and take a decent amount of root that it is growing from. Trim any excess growth off so that it puts some energy into growing new roots rather than leaves and branches until it is established.

2. part b. refer to answer 2.

  

[Jericho]

and wilz ya there.. mix up some willow water to aid its transition

[Raven]

   I've got a wee wee tree soaking in some willow water


the one I am eyeing up is probably too big to try and start roots from?

[willowbridge]

stand the sapling/cutting in water for a week, don't let the water dry out, dip roots in rooting powder, plant in a large pot with good quality compost, after it has 'taken' replant into garden