Tips for straightening out a willow tree

[uwvid]

Hi. 

I'm not that experienced in this field, and was hoping someone had some advice. 
We have a willow tree that had one of the main branches break in a storm. It's now leaning to one side, and it does not appear to have any short term hope of growing full to the broken side. 

 

Any tips on how to make it more pleasing on the eyes? 
Build a frame and straighten it up? 
Cut from the leaning side? 
Slowly regrow the broken side? 

 

 

Edited July 10, 2022 by uwvid
typo

[Dan Maynard]

I would saw all the stems off just below where the break occurred, it will sprout back straight.

[uwvid]

You mean like in the picture attached with all cuts in red? Or did you mean to leave only the stem with the broken off branch? (the picture is taken after the branch broke off, you can just see the sore in stem facing the camera) 

 

I pruned the lower part last year, and there was massive re-growth this year so I know the grow-back potential of the willow 😄

Edited July 10, 2022 by uwvid

[Stere]

Think that lean must be due to the prevailing wind or shaded on that side?

[Bolt]

It’s willow, so I would do at least this….

[Bolt]

….but I’d probably do this…

[Bolt]

…. And then just keep whichever are the best stems from all the regrowth.

[uwvid]

That's actually the sunny side, but yeah the winds can get quite rough from that side. The oppsite(leaning) side is slightly more sheltered. 

 

Thanks for the advice, didn't think it could handle that aggressive pruning, I'll consider one of the two 

 

 

[drinksloe]

Traditional management of willow is to coppice it, so wot bolt has shown is actually the traditional way to manage willow.

Might be best to wait till winter time before u do it but willow does grow back strong,

 

Plus cutting blow the snapped join tidies  it up and would stop any diseases or rot getting into the willow stem long term.

If the wind is really that sevre u could build a wee box or rail to stop the new growth being blown over that direction too far.

 

Must admit if it was me i'd proably cut low and spray with round up or drill some holes and fill with round up.

There are nicer trees

Also is that a main/public road in the back ground?

If so at some point u may have to manage ur willow when it gets bigger, willows can be quite bushy trees so catch a bit of wind ( and it looks like prevailing wind is over the road)

Might make life more complicated ( and expensive) in the future if u need to manage it.

 

Just saying another type of tree might be more appropriate for there or have willow further back

[uwvid]

Good point, it is a public road. 

 

[Dan Maynard]

Any of the above really, keep cutting it back to ground level every ten or so years and enjoy the firewood. No need to let it grow to an unmanageable size.