TECHNICAL NOTE 

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service 

Boise, Idaho

TN PLANT MATERIALS NO. 23 JANUARY 2007

REVISION

HOW TO PLANT WILLOWS AND COTTONWOODS FOR 

RIPARIAN RESTORATION 

J. Chris Hoag, Wetland Plant Ecologist

USDA-NRCS Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, Idaho 

1992

2000
2

HOW TO PLANT WILLOWS AND COTTONWOODS

FOR RIPARIAN RESTORATION 

J. Chris Hoag, Wetland Plant Ecologist,

USDA-NRCS Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, Idaho 

Introduction

Many riparian areas in the West need 

rehabilitation. Natural climatic events and 

abuses in the past have caused the destruction 

of vegetation and accelerated streambank and 

stream bottom erosion (Kauffman and Krueger 

1984; Skovlin 1984; Platts 1981; Thomas and 

others 1979). Emphasis on water quality, 

aesthetics, wildlife, and fisheries has prompted 

interest in methods for revegetating eroding 

stream channels (Carlson 1992; Carlson et al. 

1991).

There is increased interest in rehabilitating 

riparian zones with willows and cottonwoods. 

The Interagency Riparian/Wetland Plant 

Development Project, USDA Natural 

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 

Plant Materials Center (PMC), Aberdeen, 

Idaho and others are researching harvesting, storage, planting techniques and cultural practices for 

successful establishment of willows, cottonwoods and other riparian woody vegetation to better meet the 

needs of riparian rehabilitation.

Guiding Principles of Stable Stream Channels 

Riparian vegetation is a critical part of any stream system. Riparian plants provide a huge web of roots 

that hold the soil together. They also provide significant roughness from their above ground biomass. 

Determining where to plant them is often one of the hardest decisions to make. Before starting to restore 

a stream channel, 3 principles need to be understood (Natural Channel Designs, 2006). They are: 

1. Elevations should rise away from the central channel.

The central channel flow line must be the lowest point across the riparian area and the channel banks, 

floodplains, and terraces should slope upward continuously away from the channel. The banks will be 

most stable if they can be stepped as they rise away from the channel. All flat areas should slope 

toward the river. If they are level or slope away from the river they will tend to divert overbank flows 

away from the main channel and could contribute to greater erosion. Banks on the outside of 

meanders are expected to rise more rapidly than those on the inside, but should still be stepped when 

possible.

2. Transitions should be gradual to reduce the potential for erosion. 

In order to minimize the risk of lateral bank erosion, water should flow smoothly through the stream 

corridor. While meander is a natural part of stream processes, tight turns can create excessive pressure 

to weak stream banks and increase erosion. Meanders should be gradual and within the dimensions 

Streambank erosion in a corral and feeding 

complex on Medicine Lodge Creek near 

Dubois, ID 
3

described in specific recommendations. Floodplains and terraces should not be suddenly narrowed by 

buildings or other structures. Such constrictions force increases in velocity and water elevations that 

can increase erosion. 

3. Roughness should increase away from the central channel.

Roughness is resistance to flow contributed by vegetation, rough surfaces, or structures. Increasing 

roughness away from the central channel tends to center high flows and slows velocities against the 

more erosive stream banks and terraces. For example, the central channel should be relatively free of 

vegetation and other obstructions. The areas immediately adjacent to the channel (floodplains) should 

support dense thickets of shrubby vegetation (i.e., willows, etc) that bend with the flows (Figure 1). 

Areas further away from the channel (terraces) support stiffer woody vegetation (cottonwoods, 

Peachleaf willow, etc) that further slows flows. It should be noted that roughness implies a slowing of 

the flow not necessarily stopping the flow. Structures that completely stop or redirect flow across the 

floodplain/terrace should be avoided. 

Figure 1: Roughness - Vegetation provides increasing roughness to keep high velocities in central channel 

(Natural Channel Design, 2006) 

This Technical Note addresses principle 3 - the addition of roughness to the channel. It should be noted 

that planting vegetation in a riparian zone without giving serious consideration to where different species 

of plants should go can cause more problems than those you are trying to fix. For more information on 

where to plant riparian vegetation, see Riparian Planting Zones in the Intermountain West by Hoag et. al. 

2001.

There are a number of steps that should to be completed prior to any planting. They include a site 

assessment, an inventory of planting site, and a detailed survey and evaluation of the soils, water, and 

vegetation. Once you have determined the cause of the erosion and where high priority areas are located 

on the stream, you should develop a planting plan and determine where and how to plant the vegetation 

that you will use. This Technical note describes how to select, harvest, treat, and plant riparian woody 

species.

Site Assessment 

Before jumping into the water and shoving cuttings in the ground, it is important to understand what is 

causing the streambank erosion, how extensive it is, and which areas need the most work. A stream 

assessment should be completed on the stream prior to any restoration or rehabilitation work. The 

Shrubby 

Willows 

Cottonwoods, Tree Willows, 

Denser Brush 

Pasture,

Orchards, etc 

Homes
4

assessment should identify problems on a stream reach basis. A is defined as a section of stream between 

two defined points (Fischenich 2000). A number of assessment protocols are available, such as: Stream 

Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP), Proper Functioning Condition (PFC), Rapid Stream Assessment, 

etc. The assessment should identify problems such as, water removal, fish barriers, culverts, etc. that 

affect fish and hydrology by stream reach. It should also identify eroding areas, the type of erosion, and 

severity of the erosion. When the assessment is completed, there should be enough information to 

identify the reaches of the stream that need some kind of treatment, treatment alternatives that could be 

used, which reaches are the highest priority, other problems that need to be addressed, and an estimate of 

the potential success of a planting. Based on a good site assessment, you should be able to develop a 

project rehabilitation schedule or plan including a list of treatment alternatives, a cost estimate for each 

reach, a cost estimate for the entire project area, and a priority list of which reaches should be treated first. 

Site Considerations 

Careful planning before planting is necessary to ensure the solution does not create additional problems. 

* Management (prescribed grazing system, livestock exclusion, riparian buffers, etc.) must be inplace to maintain or improve riparian vegetation. Without proper management, planting efforts 

could be destroyed (Crouse and Kindschy 1984; Van Haveren and Jackson 1986). 

* If native willows or cottonwoods are not found in the vicinity, planting them may not be a good 

option.

* Willow and cottonwood plantings apply only to situations where the rehabilitation time frame is 

long enough to allow the cuttings to become established and stabilize the site. Hard structures (i.e. 

rock, concrete, etc.) may be more appropriate under emergency situations. 

* Unrooted cuttings can be used on sites that range from flat to near vertical slopes. Risks of 

wash-out and mortality increase as the slopes become steeper. 

A reconnaissance upstream and downstream of the site selected for revegetation may save time and effort. 

If there are willows and cottonwoods on adjacent sites, check the hydrology, soil and site conditions and 

compare them to conditions at the revegetation site. Plantings will be most successful on sites similar to 

the stable vegetated areas. Risk of mortality increases as soil, site, and water column parameters depart 

from those of the vegetated sites. 

There are reasons for vegetation not growing on the disturbed site. Some parameters to inventory in 

addition to management at the revegetation site include: high streamflow velocities, sharp outside curves, 

vertical to near vertical or undercut banks, hanging streambanks, mixed stratigraphy of cohesive materials 

over gravel, and evidence of mass soil slumping. When these parameters are present, revegetation can still 

be considered, but the underlying causes must be addressed. Establishing vegetation is much more 

difficult under these conditions because the time period required for stabilization increases, the planting 

schedule must accelerate, and additional soil losses can be expected. 

These conditions indicate engineered hard structures or bioengineering techniques not covered in this 

Technical Note need to be included in the planning considerations.

Some data suggests vegetative protection may be adequate if maximum streamflow velocities do not 

exceed 8 feet per second. Structural and bioengineering techniques should be considered for velocities 

greater than 8 feet per second. Woody materials should be considered with velocities less than 8 feet per 
5

second. Woody materials in conjunction with herbaceous species should be considered for velocities less 

than 5 feet per second. Herbaceous materials alone can be used for velocities less than 3 feet per second. 

Engineered hard structures or bioengineering techniques may be needed in situations where the toe of the 

bank is unstable. In these situations, refer to the NRCS Stream Restoration Design Handbook, National 

Engineering Handbook, Section 654. 

Species Selection 

During the reconnaissance, identify willow, cottonwood and other riparian species, local soil and site 

conditions and the moisture regime. If species identification is a problem, at least identify the growth 

form and conditions where the plant is growing (elevation, soils, zone, etc.). Species and/or growth form 

identification is important so the correct plant species can be matched to the right planting zone at the 

revegetation site. 

Willow species have several different growth forms. Willows come in all sizes, from small shrubs to large 

trees. There are three basic types of willows: tree-type, shrub-type, and creeping type. Tree-type species 

at maturity have a large crown, single or multiple stems, and dense basal area. They are usually taller 

than 20 ft. Shrub-type willows generally have smaller diameter multiple basal stems and rarely get taller 

than 15-18 ft. Creeping–type willows 

sucker profusely and are represented by 

coyote willow (Salix exigua).

Cottonwood species have narrow to wide 

crowns and some species sucker (generally 

only about 10% of a stand will sucker) 

while others have very shallow root 

systems. 

In general, small to medium size shrubtype willows and rhizomatous or creepingtype willows are used for planting within 

the channel banks. These can be planted as 

live poles, vertical bundles or as clumps. 

Tree-type willows and cottonwoods are 

normally selected for the upper bank and 

floodplain areas near the transition zone 

and can be planted as large poles or 

clumps. 

Mature size and growth form will affect 

species selection. Large species can partially block or deflect stream currents. If the mature basal size of 

the selected species will block streamflow near the main channel or on adjacent floodplains, another 

species with more flexible stems should be considered. 

There are many species of willows that occur naturally in different habitats. Upland willow species are 

found in relatively dry areas not necessarily associated with seeps, bogs, or high water. Scouler willow, a 

common upland species, is rarely found on wet areas, but more commonly on or near moist areas such as 

springs or intermittent watercourses. Wetland willows are found growing in standing water or saturated 

conditions and are adapted to long periods of inundation. 

Different growth forms of willows along the Snake River 

near Buhl, ID 
6

If spreading of planted species is considered a problem, selection might include only male clones. Both 

willows and cottonwoods have male and female plants. Selecting male plants will reduce spreading from 

seeds.

More shade will be produced with tall and/or wide canopy species. This may be important for water 

temperatures and fish habitat. Consider the aspect. Concentrate on tree-type species with wide canopies 

on the south or east side of stream to achieve the most shade over the widest area. 

Stem flexibility is important for species at the 

waterline to mid-bank on streams with high 

velocities, debris loads, and ice flows (Parsons 

1963; Platts and Rinne 1985). Species with 

deep or rhizomatous root systems might be 

better suited to streams with severe ice flows 

(Platts and Rinne 1985). 

Livestock and wildlife can adversely impact 

the riparian zone. Some plant species such as 

willow, cottonwood, chokecherry, Skunkbush 

sumac, golden current, serviceberry, Syringa 

(mockorange), and silver buffaloberry are 

fairly palatable. It may be advantageous to 

plant less palatable species, such as hawthorn, 

in the bank to overbank zone rather than more 

palatable species. Other less palatable species include: Woods’ rose, Douglas spirea, dogwood, river 

birch, thinleaf alder, and common snowberry. 

Grazing can also reduce regeneration, particularly for those species that reproduce by seed. Species 

selection of strong suckering or rhizomatous species may be an advantage. Improper grazing management 

can adversely impact even these species. A grazing management plan is needed whenever riparian areas 

are grazed, especially after planting. The riparian area should not be grazed for at least 3 years after 

planting. At the end of 3 years, the area should be assessed for grazing potential and if allowed, be grazed 

according to a good grazing management plan. Spring grazing is the best because animals have many 

foraging choices other than the planted woody species. Be careful with fall grazing because woody 

species are a more desirable foraging choice and there will be no regrowth before the next spring growth 

period. Overgrazing the woody and herbaceous riparian species will result in less bank and floodplain 

protection during high runoff events the following spring. The woody riparian species should be used as 

the key indicator species for when the livestock should be moved out of the riparian zone. 

Aesthetics can usually be improved by selecting more than one species to provide differences in size, 

shape, color, and texture. More than 1 species or clone also increases resistance to pests and diseases, in 

addition to increasing diversity for wildlife. However, the species planted at the waterline should be a 

single species so that all the cuttings have similar characteristics for the full length of any one reach so 

that varying sizes and shapes do not cause the force of water to move behind that planted line. 

Debris caught on the flexible stems of Booth willow 

after spring runoff 
7

Most species of willow and cottonwood 

have good fire tolerance and resprout 

readily after being burned as long as the 

fire is not too hot. Many cottonwoods are 

more susceptible to fire as they mature. 

Other riparian species such as dogwood 

and chokecherry also have a high fire 

tolerance.

There may be times when native species 

will not meet the landowners’ objectives. 

Introduced species should only be 

considered in the revegetation plan after 

careful review of the native sources (more 

native species are available on the market 

all the time), landowner objectives, and 

disease and insect infestations. Refer to 

the Idaho Tree Planting Handbook, North 

Dakota Tree Handbook, and 

Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 19 for plant characteristics. 

Species Distribution or Planting Design 

A planting design should be developed to show where each species is to be planted on the site. The entire 

problem section should be planted, not just parts of a reach or curve. This will reduce the chance of water 

eroding behind the planting. 

Figure 2: Riparian Planting Zones can be used to determine where riparian species should be planted in 

relation to the waterline. This is a general depiction of a riparian zone. Not all streams look like this one. In 

the real world, some of these zones may be absent. (From Hoag 2001, Hoag and Landis 1999) 

A riparian buffer with different species on 

Bear Creek, IA 
8

Each species grows in specific ecological zones along the stream channel and flood plain (Carlson et al. 

1992). These ecological zones can be equated to planting zones. Riparian planting zones (Hoag 2001) 

include the toe zone, bank zone, overbank zone, transitional zone and the upland zone (Figure 2). 

Shrubby species are normally planted on outside curves of a stream channel as a continuous barrier. 

Outside curves incur more erosion from streamflow, but have a shorter inundation period. Plant the entire 

reach with the same mix of species. Shrubby species with flexible stems are planted on the bank zone and 

the overbank zone or floodplain for diversity and additional stabilization or as a buffer zone. 

Plant tree species up the bank from the shrubby species or on top of the bank. The shrubby species 

provide protection for the tree species when planted in this manner. 

The reconnaissance survey will help identify these relationships. See "Spacing" section to help with 

planting design and to help determine numbers of plants or cuttings needed. 

Type of Planting Stock 

Cuttings, whips, plugs, conetainers, bare-root, potted, clumps, balled and burlap, and paper-sleeved 

planting stock are all viable alternatives (Carlson et al. 1992; Dirr and Heuser 1987; Platts et al. 1987). 

Advantages of nursery stock include: good potential root development, good carbohydrate reserves, few 

pest or disease problems, readily available for many species, and no labor is needed to collect the stock.

Disadvantages of nursery stock include: more expensive than hardwood cuttings collected near the 

revegetation site, short root systems can wash out easily, short root system may not reach moist soil 

during the growing season, and roots of local herbaceous vegetation are in the same zone competing for 

moisture and nutrients. 

Stem cuttings 

Stem cuttings can be divided into softwood, semi-hardwood (greenwood), and hardwood categories. 

Hardwood stem cuttings can also be divided into deciduous, narrowleaf evergreen, and broadleaf 

evergreen (Dirr and Heuser 1987). This Technical Note concentrates on deciduous hardwood cuttings 

from moderate age stem materials. Deciduous hardwood cuttings of willow and cottonwood species are 

generally recommended over other types of cuttings because of the high concentration of pre-formed, 
9

dormant root primordia located throughout the length of 

the stems (Densmore and Zasada 1978; Carlson 1938, 

1950; Haissig 1970, 1974). 

Pole cuttings (large diameter unrooted stems) of shrubtype willows are recommended for most plantings from 

water line to mid-bank. Pole cuttings of tree-type willows 

and cottonwoods are recommended on upper-banks and 

floodplains where the water table is relatively deep. Pole 

cuttings provide an effective means to reach saturated soils 

and establish a high concentration of roots for that portion 

of the stem within the moist zone. 

Pole cuttings have the additional advantage of being 

relatively inexpensive and easy to harvest and store. They 

are also easy to plant. High mortality can occasionally 

occur, but this is somewhat offset by lower cost, ability to 

rapidly plant large numbers, and ease of replanting the 

following year. 

Generally, whips (less than 3/8 inch diameter) are not recommended because energy reserves in the stem 

are limited and they are more susceptible to cytospora canker, a fungus that causes twig dieback (Biggs et 

al. 1983; Briggs 1991). 

Container stock 

Plugs, conetainers, bare-root, potted, balled and burlap and 

paper-sleeve planting stock are best when used: 

*mid-bank to upper-bank or floodplain where long periods of 

inundation or water erosion are minimized 

*where adequate moisture is available -- i.e. natural 

precipitation or irrigation is adequate for species selected 

*where there is no competing vegetation or a 30" diameter 

area around plant has the competing vegetation scalped off 

down to mineral soil at planting time 

*where plants have a low risk of physically being pulled or 

eroded out due to shallow rooted systems during 

establishment 

Source of Cuttings from Commercial Stock 

Willows and cottonwoods have been used extensively for riparian rehabilitation because they are easily 

established from cuttings. Cuttings can sometimes be obtained from commercial nurseries or more 

commonly from native stands located near rehabilitation sites. When buying cuttings from commercial 

sources, released varieties of adapted species should always be specified when available. 
10

PMCs conduct extensive research and testing with native willows and cottonwoods collected from service 

area states having similar climate, soils, and topography. Once a willow or cottonwood meets the testing 

criteria, it is released to the public. Commercial nurseries and growers then propagate the species on a 

much larger scale for sale. The released variety name is the key to getting a plant adapted to conditions 

similar to where it was tested. All named varieties have documentation that describes growth 

characteristics, performance, and selection criteria. This ensures they are the same stock as originally 

tested.

Plugs, conetainers, bare-root, potted, and paper-sleeved nursery stock purchased through nurseries should 

be established from local materials. This could be from a local ecotype or the same watershed, but should 

not be from more than 200 miles east or west or 100 miles north or south or more than 2000 feet elevation 

difference from planting site. Ask the nursery where the stock came from. 

Source of Cuttings from Native Stands 

Native willow and cottonwood stands located near the rehabilitation site are the most common source of 

cuttings. Native stands of willow and cottonwood are adapted to local conditions, but may have or have 

had insect and disease infestations which can stress the plants in the potential "mother" stand. Low water 

years and long periods of drought may also stress the plants. This stress means that the stem cuttings may 

not have peak energy reserves. Low energy reserves translate into lower establishment success. 

When planning the number of cuttings to harvest, take these stress indicators into account. Always obtain 

permission to harvest from the landowner, private or public, before starting to cut. 

Timing of Harvest 

Establishment success is significantly increased if cuttings are taken from live, dormant willows or 

cottonwoods either after leaf fall in late fall, winter, or very early spring before the buds start to break. 

Densmore and Zasada (1978) found that spring collections survived better than fall collections. However, 

studies in Idaho have found no such differences (Hoag 1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992). See 

"Storage" section for procedures when harvesting well before the projected planting date. 

In some cases, when access to the stream is limited due to 

regulatory concerns or during fish migration periods (i.e. 

during salmon migration runs in the spring and the fall), 

planting may be restricted to non-dormant periods. Rather 

than do nothing, consider harvesting the cuttings when the 

plants are in full leaf. When cuttings are harvested during 

these growth stages, expect the establishment success rate to 

decrease. Experiments at the Aberdeen Plant Materials Center 

have shown that when the plants are leafed out and harvested, 

the establishment success is about 40-50%. If you plan to 

plant during the active growing season consider planting more 

cuttings to make up for the lower success rate. 

Cutting Diameter 

Cuttings should generally be 3/4 inch diameter or larger 

depending upon the species (Briggs and Munda 1992; Hoag 

1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988). 

Placing a large diameter willow pole into 

a hole created by The Stinger in rock 

riprap
11

Rhizomatous or spreading willow stems will rarely get much bigger than 3/4 inches in diameter. Treetype 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).

Boyd Simonson standing next to coyote willow 

cuttings that were 20 ft long 
12

Harvesting Cuttings 

Once cutting size and source locations have been determined, the actual cutting process can begin. 

Lopping shears, pruning shears, a small wood saw, brush cutters, or a chain saw can be used to harvest 

cuttings. Size of the cuttings will determine what you use to harvest them. 

* Ensure all equipment is sharp and make clean cuts. 

* Use live wood at least 2 year old or older. However, very old wood should not be used (Briggs 

and Munda 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988). Chmelar (1974) indicated that larger and older wood is 

required to propagate species that are difficult to root. The best wood is 2-7 years old with 

smooth bark which is not split or deeply furrowed. 

* Avoid whips and suckers (current year's growth) because they lack the stored energy reserves 

necessary to consistently sprout when planted especially in dry conditions. 

* No more than 1/3 of any individual plant should be removed. In the case of rhizomatous 

species, no more than 40-50% of the stand should be removed. 

* Select branches which will not impair the source willows health and appearance. 

* When harvesting from native stands, ensure the stand will not be denuded or destroyed by your 

cutting activity. 

* Consider removing cuttings from inside the crown area rather than the more visually obvious 

exterior area. Try to spread your harvesting activity throughout the stand. 

* Remove the apical bud plus several inches off of the cutting. The apical bud (bud at the tip of 

the branch) draws too much energy from stored reserves, reducing the chance of survival. Its 

removal will reroute energy to the side buds including the root buds. The upper part of the 
13

stem also has the flowering parts (Kay and Chadde 1992). By cutting it off, energy is also 

redirected to the root and branch primordia in the older parts of stem. 

 * Trim off all side branches so cutting is a single stem. 

* A processing consideration is to cut the top of cutting with a horizontal cut and bottom of 

cutting with a 45 degree cut. This allows quick recognition of cutting top (see also Sealing 

Harvested Cuttings). 

 * Care should be taken to select materials free of splitting, disease, and insect damage. 

Painting Harvested Cuttings 

One of the most important steps in this process is the identification of the TOP of the cutting. If cutting is 

planted upside down, significant mortality can occur. To identify which end is the top of cutting, look at 

the leaf scar and emerging buds. Buds emerging from leaf scar always point up. In addition, the stem is 

usually smaller diameter near top of cutting, but this is not always obvious. The leaf scars are the most 

reliable key. 

When the top of cutting has been identified, it can be painted. Dipping the TOP 1-2 inches of cutting into 

a 50:50 percent mix of light colored latex paint and water, does a number of things. Perhaps the best 

reason for painting the top of cuttings is it helps inexperienced planting crews plant cuttings properly, 

with the top up! It also helps locate the cuttings more easily for future planting evaluations. It may also 

prevent excessive transpiration of water from cutting (the literature is mixed on this point, but Aberdeen 

Plant Materials Center research shows a higher establishment rate can be expected) This technique is 

inexpensive, easy, and effective. 

Storage

The preferred timing for harvesting willow and cottonwood cuttings is when they are dormant. To 

minimize storage time, harvest cuttings in late winter to early spring and plant immediately when 

possible. If this is not possible, cuttings can be harvested in late fall or winter and stored in a large cooler 

at 33-40°F until just before planting. Cuttings can be stored for 3-4 months in a cooler. In Illinois, 

cuttings are stacked outside and covered with snow until they are planted in the spring (personal 

communication, D. Roseboom, Illinois State Water Survey, 1993). Whether cuttings are kept in a cooler, 

root cellar, garage, or shop floor, make sure the storage area is dark, moist, and cool at all times. If 

Painting the tops of willow cuttings 
14

cuttings are stored at higher temperatures, a fungicide should be applied to prevent damage caused by 

pathogens or saprophytes (personal communication, D. Darris, Corvallis PMC, 1993). 

Treatment of Cuttings 

Testing at Aberdeen PMC using 

fertilization, treatments with rooting 

hormone, or treatments with a fungicide 

have not significantly affected the rooting or 

establishment of willow and cottonwood 

cuttings (Hoag 1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag 

et al. 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988; Ogle 1990). 

Many willows and cottonwoods are very 

easy to root without special treatment. These 

treatments increase cost, labor requirements, 

and time necessary to plant without 

significantly increasing survival. 

Pre-plant Soaking of Cuttings

Soaking the cuttings prior to planting will increased survival in addition to root and shoot production. 

Pre-soaking improves stem water content and early root and shoot initiation (Phipps et al 1983; Schaff et 

al 2002). Phipps et al (1983) indicated that pre-soaking in water is beneficial under hot, dry conditions 

that induce high moisture stress. The increased water content from pre-soaking allows the cuttings to cope 

with planting in dry conditions by delaying desiccation and loss of cell turgor (Schaff et al 2002). Presoaking that results in early root and shoot formation can also extend the growing period during the 

establishment year, which is important when establishing plants in colder climates (Phipps et al 1983). 

Soaking is important because it initiates root growth processes within the inner layer of bark in willows 

and cottonwoods. 

Prior to planting, all cuttings should be 

soaked for a minimum of 24 hours (Hoag 

1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992). 

Some research recommends soaking the 

cuttings for as long as 10-14 days (Briggs 

and Munda 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988). 

The main criterion is that cuttings should 

be removed from water prior to root 

emergence from the bark. This normally 

takes 14 days or longer depending upon 

species (Peterson and Phipps 1976).

The entire cutting should be covered with 

water. Any part of cutting that is exposed 

will start sprouting as the soaking date comes closer to bud break. Soaking can be accomplished in a 

garbage can, irrigation ditch, stream, pond, lake, or other body of water that is deep enough as long as the 

cuttings are protected from sun and wind exposure during the soaking process. Soaking significantly 

increases the survival rate of the cuttings (Briggs and Munda 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988; Hoag 1991; Hoag 

et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992; Peterson and Phipps 1976). 

Spacing Considerations

Soaking willow poles in a small pond prior to planting 
15

Plant cuttings about 1-3 feet apart for creeping-types, 3-8 feet apart for shrub-types and about 8-16 feet 

apart for tree-types. In areas where you expect erosion, plant creeping-types 1-2 feet apart to ensure better 

protection of the banks. If the holes are large enough, multiple stems can be planted together. Exact 

spacing between tree-types further up the bank in the transition zone and creeping or shrub-types in the 

bank or overbank zone should be based on crown characteristics and height. General ideas on spacing can 

be found in Idaho Plant Materials Technical Note No. 43: Tree Planting Care and Management (Stange 

et al 2002). However, crowding cuttings a little will not stress them because they will not lack for water 

when planted into the mid-season water table and more dense plantings will provide better protection to 

the bank.

When to Plant 

Willow and cottonwood cuttings have been successfully planted from early spring to late fall (dormant 

plantings).

* Preferably, cuttings should be planted in early spring after spring runoff occurs in streams or 

after high water drops to typical levels on reservoirs, ponds, or lakes.

* Rooted stock should be planted in early spring after frost has left soil. See Idaho Plant Materials 

Technical Note No. 43 for additional information. Avoid planting cuttings or rooted stock 

during the heat of summer because of the stress it places on them. 

* When planting multiple sites along a stream, sites may need to be planted in different years. 

* Consideration should be given to planting outside curves first and allowing time for 

establishment. Delay planting the inside curve until two or three years later. The inside curve is 

often not eroding and will begin to heal without planting. In addition, if the inside curve 

becomes established prior to the outside meander; there is a good chance that the stream current 

will be pushed into the eroding outside meander. This will increase the stress on the outside 

meander and make establishing woody riparian species more difficult. 

Planting Methods and Planting

Cuttings

Backhoes, excavators, tractor-mounted 

posthole diggers, one- or two-person 

posthole diggers, soil augers, planting bars, 

shovels, soil probes, The Stinger, the 

waterjet stinger, or simply pushing the 

cutting into moist soil have all been used 

successfully to plant willow and cottonwood 

cuttings. When selecting the appropriate 

planting method, you should keep several 

things in mind. 

* It is essential to have good contact between cutting and soil for roots to sprout. Air pockets 

around the cutting will kill the roots. 

Bobcat with auger attachment, Parker, AZ 
16

* Additional soil may be needed to ensure good soil to stem contact. Preference should be given 

to native soil nearby to encourage mycorrhizal formation and/or nodule formation by nitrogenfixing organisms. 

* Mud the cuttings in after they are placed in the hole. Use a bucket and mix soil and water 

together to get the consistency of cheap syrup. Pour the mix into the hole around the cutting 

until it reaches the surface. As the water leaches into the surrounding soil, the soil will settle 

out around the cutting and will ensure good soil to stem contact. 

* The planting depth will determine the planting method. Deeper holes will be easier if you use a 

power auger, The Stinger, the waterjet stinger, or a soil auger. 

* Experimentation with planting 

methods before starting will 

ensure the right equipment has 

been selected. This would also be 

a good time to train the planting 

crew on use of equipment, safety 

and planting techniques. 

The Stinger is a 3.5 in diameter bar of cold 

rolled steel that is attached to a backhoe or 

excavator in place of the bucket. It is used 

to retrofit rock riprap with willows and 

cottonwoods.

For more information, see Idaho Plant 

Materials Technical Note 6: The Stinger, a

tool to plant unrooted hardwood cuttings of 

willow and cottonwood species for riparian or shoreline erosion control or rehabilitation (Hoag and Ogle 

1994).

The waterjet stinger is a hydrodrill that uses 

high pressure water to drill a hole in the 

streambank. This tool is composed of a high 

pressure water pump with 2 probes that have 

stainless steel nozzles that increase the water 

pressure so it comes out the holes in the 

nozzle at 80 psi. When the nozzle is placed 

on the streambank, the water liquefies the 

soil and cuts a hole as it goes down. The 

soil is in solution with the water. When the 

hole is deep enough, the probe is removed 

and an unrooted willow or cottonwood pole 

is inserted into the hole. As the water and 

soil solution settles, the water moves into the 

soil profile and the soil settles out around the 

cutting eliminating air pockets that might form around the cuttings resulting in excellent stem to soil 

contact. Complete information on how to build a waterjet stinger and it’s use can be found in Idaho Plant 

The Stinger planting tree-type willows on the Snake 

River near American Falls, ID 

The Waterjet Stinger used for planting willow poles on 

Fox Creek, Driggs, ID. The pump is riding on a small raft 

with the suction hose in the water.
17

Materials Technical Note 39: Waterjet Stinger, A tool to plant dormant unrooted cuttings of willows, 

cottonwoods, dogwoods, and other species (Hoag et al 2001). 

Clump Planting 

Clump plantings can be used in areas where heavy runoff occurs or where the water column directly 

impacts vertical banks. See Idaho Plant Materials Technical Note 42: Planting Willow Clumps (Hoag 

2003) for more information. These areas are difficult to plant and establish with traditional methods. 

* The basic procedure is to locate clumps of willows that are accessible to a backhoe. 

* The backhoe digs up a clump of willows, travels 

back to the planting site, and places the willow 

clump in a predetermined location by pushing out a 

hole as it deposits the clump. 

* Clumps are then placed close together along the 

entire problem section of stream to keep water from 

cutting around the planting. Pulling or pushing soil 

from the streambank above willow clumps and 

packing it behind clumps will improve 

establishment success and assist in bank shaping. 

* Sod of rhizomatous grass and grass- like species can 

be placed behind the willow clumps to speed up 

recovery time of the mid to upper banks. Some 

minor bank shaping will improve establishment of 

the herbaceous material. Grass species can also be 

seeded by hand. 

* Planting should be completed following high water flows in the spring to reduce chance of ripping 

clumps out before the clumps are well rooted and start to spread. 

* Temporary protection, such as steel posts with woven wire, sunlight degradable netting, etc., may be 

necessary to hold willow clumps in place until they are well established which may take 1-3 years. 

Usually, this is only necessary in areas were high velocities impact the bank. 

Other Planting Stock

See Idaho Plant Materials Technical Note No. 43: Tree Planting Care and Management (Stange et al 

2002) for information on planting nursery stock. 

Permits

The landowner is responsible for all permits prior to any planting. The completed plan should be copied 

as needed and provided to the landowner for submission to the state Department of Water Resources 

and/or US Army Corps of Engineers. Each state has specific permitting requirements and the landowner 

is responsible for locating the appropriate agency. Normally any work done in a stream channel requires 

notification and approval by these agencies and the issuance of permits before work can begin. 

Willow clump harvest, Fox Creek, Driggs, ID 
18

Management and Maintenance 

Preserve or initiate management that will keep, maintain, and improve the planting and other riparian 

vegetation. Proper management is necessary to maintain healthy, competitive plants that function for the 

intended objectives. This is as important as the planting itself to ensure long- term rehabilitation of the 

riparian area. Some maintenance will be needed on site for several years after planting. Vegetation should 

be evaluated and monitored annually. Some replanting will be needed in succeeding years. If you don't 

replant the first or second year, your continuous barrier could be jeopardized. Once water gets behind the 

protected line you have planted, it is extremely difficult to repair the damage. 

Monitoring the site is necessary so any in-stream dead organic material (i.e. old logs, dead root masses, 

branches, etc.) can be removed before stream flow is deflected or gravel bars form. It is much easier to 

prevent this kind of damage than it is to repair it. As the planting ages and plants start to develop their 

growth form, some may need to be trimmed or cut to stimulate smaller and denser growth. Trimming 

should be done in the dormant season so willow growth is not slowed during the growing season. During 

the establishment period, leave standing dead branches in the clump plantings to reduce stream flow 

velocities, thus protecting the establishing clumps. 

If livestock use the area, a prescribed grazing plan should be developed. Little to no grazing should occur 

during the establishment period. This can take 2-5 years depending on growing conditions. Larger 

planting stock may be more resistant to grazing pressure, but should be monitored closely to avoid serious 

damage. 

Temporary fencing may be necessary to control livestock and wildlife use of the planting during the 

establishment period. Permanent fencing is an option to prevent grazing by livestock and/or wildlife. 

Consideration should be given to the creation of "riparian pastures", i.e. grazing units that include riparian 

zones and floodplains as a majority of the pasture. These riparian pastures increase management 

Restoration project on Targhee Creek, a tributary of Henry’s Lake near the Montana/Idaho 

border - project was installed in 1998 and this picture was taken in 2000 
19

flexibility but often require increased maintenance as a result of heavy grazing pressure from both 

livestock and wildlife. Water gaps to allow livestock access to the stream when necessary should be 

planned in transition sections between meanders. Off site water may be a better choice in terms of 

protecting the riparian buffer, increased calf gains, and better overall herd health. These areas have 

reduced erosion potential, are generally gravelly, and can be planted to a rhizomatous willow that will 

resprout easily. Access to water gaps can also be protected with gravel or concrete pads if heavy 

trampling problems arise. 

Finally it is critical to protect streambanks and plantings from continuous use during long winter feeding 

periods. Feed grounds should be located away from streamside areas. If this is not possible, the area 

should be fenced and water gaps or off-site water provided so direct access to riparian corridor is 

controlled and potential pollutants can be filtered prior to overland surface waters enter the stream. 

Additional information and more technical papers 

Visit http://www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/riparian.html for additional information on a 

variety of riparian and wetland plants and planting techniques.

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22

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