The process of maintaining a stream or river’s natural riparian buffer is the best way to protect against erosion, as well as chemicals from entering the water flow. The buffer is used to stabilize property and slow the speed of eroding banks. The qualities of water, as well as groundwater filtration are increased due to this maintenance process. Cooler water and air temperatures also result th...

Stream bank restoration is the process of bringing a stream bank that’s washed, back to its original condition by planting species of shrubs native to the area. Erosion can be decreased and a natural habitat for wildlife can be formed through this process. Restored banks will serve as a filtering media to runoff into stream, and a protector against human interaction. Willow is an ideal plant fo...

Celtic Energy Farm – This farm in Cape Vincent, NY, owned by Robert McDonough, will be the site of 200 acre shrub willow farm. Land preparation was accomplished in the fall of 2009 and shrub willow was established in 2010. Future plans include the establishment of an additional 500 acres. Read More: Watertown Daily Times Middlebury College – In 2006, Middlebury purchased shrub willow cuttings ...

Catalyst Renewables – Catalyst Renewables operates the Lyonsdale 19 megawatt wood power plant in Lyons Falls NY. Catalyst began purchasing shrub willow cuttings to augment its wood supply in 2006 and to date has planted approximately 500 acres. It has plans to increase its production to several thousand acres over the next 5 years. Catalyst has also secured a DOE grant to construct a demonstrat...

East Lycoming School District – East Lycoming planted 50 acres of shrub willow in the spring of 2010 to provide a renewable source of heat in its new biomass boiler. Currently the school relies exclusively on heating oil. The school district is located in Central Pennsylvania near Williamsport. Students and faculty will be responsible for overseeing the management of the project. The project wi...

Located in Hamilton, NY, Colgate recently planted a 7 acre demonstration field of willow in preparation for a potential 1200 acre planting to provide fuel for to serve the campus central biomass heat facility. This will be a major component to establishing a large scale sustainability program on the campus. Students and faculty will oversee the management of the project.

Willow planted for a privacy hedge serves as a natural alternative to many vinyl or chain-link fences. It blocks out neighbors and decreases noise in a tasteful manner. The willow gives a colorful and varied appearance, as it changes with the season. Willow can be grown to desired thickness and appearance; it should be in rows, according to your preference. Willow hedges grow quickly, and are e...

Brief: Willow has the ability to clean up harmful toxins in water and soil through phytoremediation. The Willow is planted in polluted areas and soaks up toxins through its roots. Detailed: Willows have the ability to clean up toxins by being planted in polluted sites. Can de-pollute contaminated soil and water due to ability to contain, degrade, and eliminate metals and other harmful chemicals...

Download the Pest and Disease Susceptibility Ratings for Varieties of SUNY-ESF Shrub Willow PDF below.