Generally, hardwood trees will resprout once cut down; if you have the
tree cut back to its framework the re-growth will be straight,
therefore useful for basketweaving. To remove such an abundance of the
tree's energy source will destabilise the tree and present a
significant risk of the wounds becoming infected- showing as rot,for
the sake of simplicity.
If you cut down the Willow it will endeavour to survive, through
putting on lots of regrowth,which will present as straight, upright
shoots.

Not a pleasant thing to do to a tree, especially a mature specimen.

Usually, to grow Willow trees for harvest is a decision made early on,
whilst the tree is still dynamic, and can recover. General rule of
thumb: the bigger the limb removed, the larger the wound, the more risk
to the tree's health.



Martin wrote:

On 16 Oct 2006 08:23:17 -0700, "perrancott"
wrote:

I have a weeping willow in my half acre garden. I believe that it is
at least 12 years old. It is about 6m high and growing in a boggy part
of the garden. An arborist from the local agricultural college told me
that its roots are not a problem because it is lower down the hill from
the building and 18m away. This puts its crown right in line with the
view. I would like to open up the view but would like to keep a willow
or something similar there to soak up the water.

If I were to cut the tree down would it resprout and would the new
shoots weep or grow straight? I am considering taking a course on
willow weaving. Would the shoots be useful for this?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

You could coppice it.
http://handbooks.btcv.org.uk/handboo...nt/chapter/798
--

Martin