How to grow willows and poplars for free
Poles are poplar or willow branches at least 1m long that are rammed into the ground in early winter. These will grow roots in time to support leaf growth in spring.
You can buy nice straight strong poles from a nursery or many regional councils. This is a good idea if you want a particular variety you don’t have.
But you can also just prune off a branch from your own or your neighbour’s tree:
• CUT it as long as you can, anything from 20cm to 3m, with a sloping bottom end.
• TRIM all the side shoots off.
• IF YOU are lucky enough to find branches longer than you need, trim the thin top off and use the sturdier end.
• LAY the bottom ends in (preferably) a running stream or a clean dam or a trough full of fresh water for one to two weeks so they can absorb it – don’t let them dry out.
• RAM or hammer or plant them into the ground, up to 800mm deep for a 3m pole. The roots are actually quite shallow, but if you have a long pole you want to anchor it.
• YOU can make your planting hole by ramming in and removing a pipe slightly smaller in diameter than the pole, or just use a spade to make a deep wedge to ram the pole down into.
• MAKE sure the pole is firmly in place, and protected from stock, rabbits, hares and possums.