Mammothwillow.co.uk
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A South Devon Willow
Farm Supplying Living Willow and Fast Growing Salix Hybrids.
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Our hybrid
varieties reach a maximum height of about 6
meters. In the first year the most vigorous grow up to 12 feet.
They are easy
to grow, hardy, exhibit good resistance to disease and have
a fantastic success rate. See our photographic
diary of growth in
the first year and our guide
to
planting.   Some benefits of growing willow. The habitat created by a willow plantation is very different to that found within conventional agricultural crops. Grown without pesticides or herbicides willow supports a large number of insect species most of which cause little damage to the willow. Many songbirds species are attracted to willow plantations, including some migrant warblers species that are becoming less common. Willow is also one of the earliest nectar producing plants making it a good companion for bees. Growing willow is very good for taking up nitrogen and is ideal for tackling nitrate pollution in Nitrate Sensitive Areas or Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Willow can also be planted along lower field margins and riparian zones to act as a buffer for retaining diffused pollutants draining from adjacent agricultural land. It will also thrive in soil which have low nitrogen levels. Willow is commonly grown on wasteland to reclaim brown field sites and grown on old landfill sites. It is increasingly being used to take up heavy metals deposits on contaminated land. Willow is used for stabilising river banks (spilling). Willow rods are driven into the ground at the bank edge and the fine vigorous root system of the willow secure the ground in place. In a similar way, willow can be grown to stabilise ground on hillsides, to prevent soil erosion.  
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| Last updated 17th November 2008 |
| Copyright © 2008 Mammoth Willow |