My Weeping Willow Has Fallen Over. Advice Sought

Oh dear! I'm attaching a couple of photos for you to see the poor thing which is leaning over at about 45 degrees. It happened last night during high winds. Only a few of the roots are exposed and it seems to have some sort of a grip in the soil; it can be pushed back to the upright position but it takes only a nudge for it to tip over again.

I would like to save it, if possible. I'm in a mind to get a stake near the base and strap it to the trunk.

Can anyone advise please?

 

Give it a drastic pruning to reduce top heavy weight and wind resistance. It will soon put out fresh leaves and branches. Then stake it firmly.

 

Thanks Hornbeam. Being a new gardener, what do you mean by 'drastic'? From what I've read in other posts, does this mean actually cutting off all the branches near to the trunk so the trunk is more or less all that's left?

And should each prune cut be at 90 degrees to the branch, or 45 degrees, or does it not matter?

 

Here is the tree having been drastically pruned, and secured to a post. Actually, we rather like the intricate patterns revealed.

Does it need 'shaping'? Does it need pruning any more?

 

That should be sufficient. Others may think you have gone too far, but not me. Make sure it gets buckets of water during the spring and summer. It should recover well. You must stop it rocking in the wind as that will loosen the roots again. If you go to a garden centre, you should be able to get a taller stake and a flexible "figure of eight" tree tie. That will secure the trunk to the stake without binding it too tightly or leaving a gap which will allow too much movement.

A picture is clearer than words - This is what I mean http://www.bigcushion.com/

 

I think if it was my tree I'd be inclined to cut it back hard again next year, but before the winter gales start.
It needs to build up a decent root system and that could take more than one season.

 

Definitely get rid of the string tie as Hornbeam says get a real one from a garden center the string will cut into the tree as the tree rocks and damage it

 

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'd have never have thought about the damage the string could do - that's the beauty of asking here.

 

Definitely a good idea Pete.

Looks like a great job well done to me Seafuryfan. Get some new wide flexible ties and I think its as good as it can be, may well produce an even better shape

One question, is it split at the bottom ?

 

Old tights are very effective at staking trees. Our garden is full of them!

 

Thanks Banana Man, here is a detail shot, I can't see any split, just natural curves. But I may be wrong. I'm sure there is a gardening term for it.

Nice one Celia. Rooting around in drawers to commence shortly.

 

Bicyle inner tubes cut into strips make pretty good elasticated ties. I've some on a fan plum tree that are now about 20 years old and still in good condition.

 

Cheers Dave