The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: Foobar on April 10, 2017, 09:21:56 pm

Title: Willow logs
Post by: Foobar on April 10, 2017, 09:21:56 pm

I've a large number of willow logs from trees that we've felled /cut back.  Im going to use these for firewood.  However they are sprouting like mad... Is there any way to stop this,  or will they stop when they run out of moisture?

Title: Re: Willow logs
Post by: Penninehillbilly on April 10, 2017, 10:02:33 pm

they cant go on sprouting forever, willow has a lot of moisture in it, but must run out sometime.

Title: Re: Willow logs
Post by: Fleecewife on April 10, 2017, 11:03:53 pm

Spread them out for the sheep to nibble at - they'll nibble off any shoots, and strip the bark to prevent further shooting.  Next time put the branches out for the sheep before you cut them up.  Sheep can kill growing willow if you coppice or pollard it, so they'll have no problem with felled wood.
Otherwise, the logs will sprout this year, but probably not next.

Title: Re: Willow logs
Post by: Big Light on April 11, 2017, 06:39:05 am

We just went through a pile of willow this winter it sprouted all summer then quickly dried when we chopped and split it up - it burnt really well

Title: Re: Willow logs
Post by: Foobar on April 11, 2017, 09:31:27 am

Hmm, can't leave it in the field because they are starting to root too!!  I am going to split them and stack them - I'm just hoping that the sprouting doesn't affect my stacking and make it all topple over!!