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How to soak willow in cold weather

29 January 2025

It’s important to be aware that seasonal variations in temperature will dramatically affect willow soaking times.

In warm weather, the water temperature of our willow soaking tanks is much higher. This aids soaking times and slightly speeds up the process by around half a day. However, in colder weather, we are hampered not only by big drops in temperature, but also by the risk of our tanks freezing.

IMPORTANT: All our soaking advice is given using timings on an average temperature UK day.

 

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Some helpful tips for soaking willow in cold weather

  1. If possible, try to move your soaking tank into a warmer environment. A garage, polytunnel, or greenhouse is ideal.
  2. Try to insulate your tank from all sides. Raising it up will also make a big difference, but remember to ensure it is fully supported to cope with the weight of both willow and water when it is in use. Pallet crates are great for achieving this.
  3. Cover the soaking tank with some form of lid.
  4. If your tank freezes, don’t try to pull your willow out of the ice or break chunks off of it – you will damage the bark.
  5. Purpureas don’t like the cold at all, so avoid soaking them in colder weather. If you desperately need to soak purpureas, swap your tank for a soaking bag. Using a home bath will work to some extent too – but be aware the tannins will leach out and may cause stains. This method is best only used with short soaks of small lengths of stripped willow.

What to do if your willow soaking tank freezes

If your willow soaking tank freezes – don’t panic. The willow will be fine, it will simply be held in stasis awaiting warmer weather. Suspend your soaking times and restart them when the tank has thawed. The willow will be fine left for a period of time in ice.

Consider also using a steamer and a steaming sheet to speed up the process. Read our complete guide to steaming willow to find out more about using this equipment.

Mellowing willow in cold weather

The mellowing process doesn’t change too much, as you will potentially be moving the willow to a warmer environment for this part of the process.

If you have underfloor heating, ceramic tiles or stone flags, your willow will benefit from laying on it and being warmed up in its mellowing blanket or Hessian mellowing sheet before you begin working it. Again, purpureas especially enjoy the warmth.

For more information about willow soaking, our willow weaving courses, or any of our products, get in touch with the Musgrove Willows team.

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