They are a preferred food of beaver and are often used as building material for beaver dens. Goodding willow is used for streambank stabilization and erosion control. It has both abundant small surface roots and deeper main root branches. It tolerates flooding and long, hot growing seasons, making it ideal for rehabilitating riparian zones of the Southwest.
All willows produce salacin, a chemical related to aspirin.
Willows are usually planted using stem cuttings. Establishment of Goodding willow in riparian zones can be aided by deep tillage of the soil, preferably to the water table, before transplanting. If Goodding willow seeds are sown, they must be collected and dispersed as soon as fruits ripen. Seeds remain viable for only a few days. Commercial seed is not available.