Below you will find some recommendations for how to treat and look after your new willow product. The approach may differ according to whether the item or feature lives inside or outside your home. Looking after your willow properly can result in many additional years of enjoyment.

After the completion of your willow garden feature, be it a fence, gate, tree-seat or planter, it should ideally be treated in order to maximise its lifespan.

Before treatment, the willow should be reasonably dry so that it can absorb as much of the treatment as possible. If the willow feature has only just been installed, it may have been woven with ‘green’ (freshly cut) or ‘soaked’ willow. In both cases, even if the surface appears dry, the fibres of the rods will be packed with moisture and will need time to dry out. In the case of green willow, you can tell when it is drying out as tiny longitudinal wrinkles will appear in the bark signifying that the wood beneath the bark is shrinking. Also, green willows vibrant natural colours will begin to dull and possibly turn brown under the influence of the sun. Generally, a sunny and/or dry windy period will help dry out the willow ready for treatment both post-installation and in subsequent years.

I recommend a boiled linseed oil treatment. However, linseed oil is generally too thick to be absorbed through the bark and should therefore be diluted with thinners. The choice of thinner depends on your personal preference – my suggestions are as follows:

• 50/50 mixture of boiled linseed oil & thinner (natural turpentine or white spirit), or
  
• 50/50 mixture of boiled linseed oil & clear preservative (oil based external woodworm/fungal treatment), or
  
• 50/25/25 of boiled linseed oil & thinner & clear preservative
  

I mostly just use a paint brush, applying the treatment to both sides if possible ensuring full coverage. Alternatively for large areas, a garden sprayer could be used, taking care to not spray surrounding plants. A brush may take longer, but will be more accurate.

Ideally at least once a year. If you can, do it twice!

These can be very large and a daunting prospect to treat! Ideally treat the entire fence, but if this is not feasible, then at least treat the border on top – extremely well. This part of your fence is the most vulnerable to decay, and treating it regularly will help preserve the integrity of the willow below.

Treatment may change the colour of your willow feature to a deeper richer colour. Linseed oil is fairly dark and can affect the colour accordingly.

Please note – If there is any bare timber associated with your feature (such as a gate frame or seat) then be aware that any splashes during treatment of the willow may well change the natural aged appearance of the timber. In the case of oak and sweet chestnut, if left untreated it will turn a beautiful natural grey colour. If treated with linseed oil the timber will be nourished and retain a deeper browner colour. Customers usually have a clear preference for the aesthetic ageing of the timber and this should be considered before embarking on treating the associated willow.

If you’d rather enjoy the natural ageing of your willow feature, or simply do not have the time or inclination to treat it, then that’s fine. But it may not last as long!

Items such as willow chairs (see section below), duck houses & plant supports can be treated in exactly the same fashion as outlined above. However, you may get longer out of your item if it is stored in a dry and airy location (such as a summerhouse, garage or barn) during the autumn and winter, or simply when it is no longer needed outside.

These are not recommended for outdoor use in the UK’s damp climate. If they are used outside, they should not be left out in the rain or damp weather. Ideally, give them pride of place in your home, or at least in a covered outdoor living space or garden room. If they are kept in a covered outdoor space they should still be treated as outlined above. If permanently indoors, they do not need treating to preserve them from decay (see woodworm section below), but a light oiling or waxing can lift the natural colours of the bark and rejuvenate the stickwork. If treating with linseed oil sufficient drying time should be allowed for before re-using the chair.

Baskets are intended for use inside the home with occasional trips outside for collecting logs, shopping or your garden harvest. They generally do not need treating.

Some people believe in periodically soaking a basket in water to rejuvenate it! Others do not recommend this as it’s said to risk removing some of the patina and cause swelling and popping of the weave. If a deeper clean is needed, use a damp soft cloth and gently blot the basket weave, then let the basket dry completely.

If you spot mildew or mould on your basket, it’s time to take action. Dilute bleach with water, dampen a soft cloth and gently wipe at the mould.

Willow, particularly when old & dry, can attract woodworm. So if you do have any infestations in your home, it is advisable to treat the willow accordingly.