Meredith Thomsen

Willow (Salix spp.) stakes are used in riparian restoration due to their wetland adaptations, large root systems, and production of adventitious roots. Best practices for maximizing stake performance need to be developed. We tested the effects of storage, scoring, and auxin treatments on the performance of sandbar willow (Salix exigua) stakes. Storage significantly increased height, longest stem length, and biomass. Height and aboveground biomass increased when stakes were stored/soaked. There were no significant effects of scoring or auxin application. Results show storing and soaking significantly improve willow stake performance, which could lead to faster canopy closure and better invasive species control in the field, increasing restoration success.