DA-15-00001 Palomino Fields Master File

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Rhizomatous or spreading willow stems will rarely get much bigger than 3/4 inches in diameter. Tree - type willows can be several inches in diameter. Larger diameter cuttings have more energy and stored reserves than smaller diameter cuttings. Highest survival rates are obtained using cuttings 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Cuttings as large as 8 inches in diameter have been tested with excellent success (Carlson et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992). However, the larger the cutting diameter, the longer the cutting should be, and the deeper the hole should be to support it. The deciding factor for selecting the cutting diameter is the planting method you will use (see Planting Methods). Larger diameter and longer cuttings will be needed for more severely eroding sites and where the water table is deeper. When planting into rock riprap cuttings should be at least 3- 5 inches in diameter. Cuttings this size will not bend or break when pushed between the rocks in the riprap. Cutting Length Cutting length is largely determined by the depth to the mid -summer water table and erosive force of stream at the planting site (Briggs and Munda 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988; Hoag 1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992). Plantings can occur at the water line, up the bank, and on top of bank in relatively dry soil, as long as cuttings are long enough to reach into the mid -summer water table. Make sure: * 6-8 inches of cutting are in the mid -summer water table * 3-4 buds are above the ground * No less than 1/2 the total length is in the ground * if long periods of inundation exceeding 30 days are likely, cuttings should be long enough to extend 6-12 inches above the expected high water level * If weeds are a problem, the cutting should extend above herbaceous growth in summer to receive adequate light and below the weed root mass to minimize competition (Hoag et al. 1991; Platts et al. 1987) When planting for bank stabilization, the cutting should extend 2-3 feet above ground so as it leafs out, it can provide immediate bank erosion protection. The cutting should be planted as much as 3-5 feet into the ground (sometimes deeper to ensure they are in the mid- summer water table). If they are not planted this deep, moving water can erode around cutting and rip it out of the ground. Tests have shown that even with established root systems as long as 15-28 feet, the erosive power of a stream can rip a short cutting out of the ground (Hoag 1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992).