On 13/07/2012 17:29, Jake wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:27:59 +0100, wrote:


I've never come across this problem before but, presupposing that the
crown is grafted onto a willow rootstock, I would have expected it to
root itself again all too easily. Whether this will be in time to save
damage to the crown is unknown. Since the tree is resting on its crown,
it's worth checking if the graft is still intact, since damage to that
would be more disastrous.

In your position, I would try righting the tree, checking the graft and
seeing if it's worthwhile staking it - if you can stake it in saturated
earth!

Thanks Spider. It's been dry today to I spent a bit of time this
afternoon looking at it. No problems with the graft point (bear in
mind the trunk was like a dahlia stake when planted but is now about
4" thick and topped off with a "Medusa's head" of snaking branches
from which the canopy emerges).

I explored a little around the roots and found there are essentially
two 2-3" thick ones running off opposite each other and forming a "T"
with the trunk. Apart from those, other roots are really short thin
things so it's as if the two thick roots formed a sort of pivot and
the tree just tipped over. I've dug under them where they join the
trunk and there's nothing else supporting that tree. I can lift the
tree, any effort being due to the weight of the crown, and notice the
roots are pivoting with it. So I doubt they extend that far from the
trunk.

So conclusion is that I've been lucky that it's stayed up as long as
it has and, given the paucity of roots, I don't think it's going to
develop anything strong enough to support it. Whilst I can stake it, I
guess the feasible option is to dig it out and replace it with
something.

Cheers, Jake
=======================================
Urgling from the East End of Swansea Bay where sometimes
it's raining and sometimes it's not.



Yes, I think you're right. It's a pity. Willows katkins are very good
for bees and other insects early in the year. I'm sure you'll give a
lot of thought to what you replace it with. Good luck.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay