Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat Willow trees as structure???

I had to cut down a corkscrew willow tree in January to put up a fence. The 3rd week of March, we threw it in my pond for structure. The tree is growing leaves now and (get this) growing roots from the trunk down towards the bottom of the pond. Do you guys think this will be all right or a giant pain in the ... in a few years?

Like rooting a giant cutting! Can't see how leaving it where it is would be of any benefit to the pond. Could cause problems down the road.

Get it out
Willow roots are giant sponges and the leaves aspirate a lot of h2o
In the big picture not a big deal, but I couldnt stand knowing that thing
Was sucking water out of my pond every day

Interesting... Willows are amazing at coming to life from cuttings. How deep is the water is it growing in? Is it near the dam?

I have several that I planted some years ago (from cuttings) along the bank of my pond (away from the dam). They are attractive and do not appear to spread by seed. My pond is well sealed, so the water loss is not really an issue for me. In last year's drought, the pond was down only 12 inches. While the tree is leafing out now, it may die in a few years if it roots below the perminent water level. I do not think that they can take those conditions, but it may hang on for some years providing fish cover.

I like willow trees, 'cept when it is time for a spanking (just kidding)

I wonder if the Whip was conceived from such a tree, long, long ago?

The water it is growing in is about 1 foot down to about 3ft. But the leaves are coming on strong and the red roots are aiming straight down.

I don't have a dam but I have to make a decision before to long. It still amazes me that it is growing again after being cut down for so long.

About 8 years ago my neighbor took a branch from his walking stick willow and stuck it into the ground. Today that stick is about 8" across. As long as there is moisture, they're about undestructable.

IMO Cottonwoods and Willows have no place near my ponds. They both are notoriously thirsty and easily propagate all around the margins if given a chance. I pull or spray every one I find within 100' of the pond.

Add River Birch to that list.