The way to Command a Willow Fence
January 15, 2020
A willow fence is really a combination of hedge and fence — which is why it gets the nickname “fedge” in some places. Simply by placing cuttings of willow into the ground and then organizing them in a pattern, you may produce a living barrier between your yard and the neighbors’, or make a wall to define your garden area. Once it is planted, take some actions to control the increase of this willow fence so that it will not spread out too far. If you do not cut it back or train it periodically, the willow fence may eventually take over large swaths of your outdoor space.
Pull up any weeds growing in the base of the fence or even better, put a layer of black plastic sheeting or landscaping cloth around the willow spots to stop weeds from growing. Examine the base of your fence periodically to eliminate new weeds.
Weave new shoots into the weaved layout of your willow fence, even if you’d like your fence to be filled in with a great deal of leaf. Take a branch that is sticking out in the fence and then bend it back — carefully so that it does not break — and weave it under, over or around other branches which are firmly attached to the primary structure.
Trim side offshoots in the spring or fall, if you’re seeking to maintain your willow fence fairly sparse and maintain the first pattern visible. New shoots will tend to pop out vertically and horizontally in the established branches; take a hedge trimmer, loppers or hand trimmer and cut the newest shoots off as close to the origin stem as possible.
Cut the tops of the fence into your preferred height at the spring or fall, employing a hedge trimmers, loppers or hand trimmer. Also track the ground around the willow fence, since some varieties will send out root suckers that may spread widely throughout the yard.