Mutating Kilmarnock Willow !

I have a Kilmarnock willow in my garden and last year I noticed an offshoot from the base of the trunk, just above ground level, which I didn't bother too much about. This year however it has grown massively and is far higher than the tree itself and is quite an eyesore. I take it I can just cut this off once the tree has died back after autumn? Is there anything I should watch out for? I have tried to attach a couple of photos to explain the problem.

 

Hi Franco. Kilmarnock Willows are usually grafted onto a much more vigorous rootstock and what you are seeing is a sucker from the rootstock. Take it off or it will just take over your tree.

 

I agree with Alice , my Kilmarnock is a graft and often gets shoots, they need to be removed

 

I'd say its best to cut it as close to the stem as you can without actually cutting into the stem, dont leave a long stub.
Next spring keep an eye open for buds forming around that area and rub them off before they get a chance to reach any size

 

Cheers, thanks for the advice. So can I attack it straight away or do I wait until autumn? :-)

 

Personally I'd do it now.

 

The sooner the better Franco.

 

I've got a willow that is supposed to have a weeping shape but it keeps sending up vertical, sort of water, shoots. I have to chop them off at least twice every growing season. Is this normal or have I got a rogue?

Chris

 

Sounds a bit suspect Chris.
I presume its top grafted on a stem?

 

Yes I think so Pete. (too dark to look now). In the main the tree is fine and weeps obediently. It just has this habit of throwing up verticals. It must be quite mature as it was here when we moved in and we've been here 10 years. It's not really a big deal, just one extra job to do in the garden.

Chris

 

I think the problem with grafted trees that put out rootstock shoots is that they usually form in clusters, so just cutting off the current stems does not stop the cluster of dormant buds under the bark in that area.

 

That seems to be the problem Pete. It's not a feature tree as all it does is conceal the shed so I suppose I should dig it up and start again. However, I suppose it's not too arduous to give it an occasional "haircut".

Chris