Question
I have several limbs from a corkscrew willow that has been cut down.  How can I root these so they will grow?

Answer
Willows can be rooted from a cut branch or twig but this would have to be done at the time of the cutting not wait later--the branch will dry out and the cells at the end of the branch cut will die. Use cuttings that are about 1/2 to 1 inch thick in diameter and about 5 - 16 inches long. Use a good Rooting Hormone to start your willows dip the cut end in the hormone. Put the cut segments in a pot with potting soil and keep the soil damp. Keep the potting soil moist but don't over water. Try the cutting in about a month and a half then slightly tug on the cutting to see if any roots have started. Don't tug hard and don't pull the cutting out of the soil. You should be able to tell if the rooting has begin with a slight tug. The best time to do this is in the spring. Just cut them early spring while they're dormant before the leaves bud out and dip the cutting into the rooting hormone.