,standpoint. A mixed planting is suggested since a variety of species provide
a better balanced. 
environment for birds and wildlife during the various seasors of the year.
Mixed plantings are 
also more disease and insect-pest resistant thaz pure stands. 
Planting Willow Cuttings 
Willows are well adpated to all stream-banks but require care in planting.
These plants 
have their requirements the same as other species. Failures have resulted
on some northern 
streams where conditions were unsuitable. Cuttings planted in some southern
marsh areas have 
been smothered. They should. be made 3 to 5 feet in length and at least 3/4
of an inch in diameter. 
Strong 1 to 2 year old branches of large willows not infected with disease
or insect pests should 
be used. Cuttings from small or dwarf species are not desirable. The basal
cut should be made 
square below a bud to insure good root development. The top cut should be
made square a short 
distance above a well developed bud and care should be taken to prevent splitting
the wood or 
damaging the bark. A sharp knife should be used to trim off all branches
to provide the necessary 
nourishment for the establishment of the tree. Bundles of 25 to 50 (butts
all one way) should 
be wrapped in wet moss or gunny sacks and taken immediately to the planting
site. Use a bar or 
hoe handle for making the hole for the cutting. Place the butt 6 inches to
1 foot in the damp 
soil and pack firmly with the heel. Cuttings should be made in the spring
and planted as soon 
as the frost is out of the ground. 
At the planting site where the grass is long and thick, cuttings should be
of such length 
as to prevent smothering. Willows have an extensive root system. Planting
too close to the 
stream in some situations may sometimes choke the stream channel and divert
the current. As a 
result, harm to other plantings and greater erosion may result. Planting
should be done at sites 
where there will be no under cutting. 
For methods ,fplanting seedlings and transplants refer to the Forest Planting
Handbook 
issued by the Wisconsin Conservation Department. Additional information on
planting and main- 
tenance can be procured from available federal and state bulletins. See "Publications."

The Need of Protection 
Fire 
All plantings should be protected from fire. The burning of plant cover destroys
nesting 
places and often destroys eggs, young birds, and animals as well. Fire destroys
valuable organic