How to Cut Weeping Willow Branches and Soak Them in Water

Synthetic rooting hormones are commonly used by home gardeners for improving success rates when starting cuttings of roses and other woody ornamentals. If you hate wasting money for man-made products when there are organic alternatives, turn to that majestic weeping willow, or Salix babylonica, in your yard for a natural solution. You can cut branches from any member of the willow family and soak them in water to easily make your own natural organic rooting solution for starting cuttings. The willow tea that you brew at home contains indolebutyric acid, a growth hormone and one of the active ingredients in store-bought rooting products.

Loppers
Saucepan with lid

Instructions

- 1
  Cut several 1-inch diameter willow tree branches from this year's growth with clean, sharp loppers.
- 2
  Remove all of the foliage from the willow branches and cut them into 1-inch sections. You'll need about a big double handful of these sections to make your willow tea. Split the sections from top to bottom to expose as much of the inner tissue as possible. Toss all of the trimmings onto your compost heap.
- 3
  Cover the willow pieces with about 1 inch of water in a heavy saucepan. Use rainwater if possible, but ordinary tap water works.
- 4
  Bring the pan of water to a vigorous boil, then remove from the heat. Cover and allow to soak overnight.
- 5
  Remove the willow sections from the liquid, which will look like weak tea.
- 6
  Set the cut stem ends of your cuttings into the willow tea for a few hours before planting them. You can allow them to soak overnight, if you wish.
- 7
  Use the willow tea in place of water for starting your cuttings.
- 8
  Store excess willow tea in the refrigerator. Take it out and bring it to room temperature for watering your cuttings while they're rooting.

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