Working Smarter not Harder as a Willow Grower

There are pros and cons to social media.  I am going to mention a 'pro' here. I am always  learning from willow growers and willow weavers who started their journey before me through social media. None of the ideas I employ are original to me, but there is one idea that I found this year that has made my willow sorting 100% easier and that is partially burying a plastic 50-gallon drum in my willow field.  Here is a pic...

My lovely neighbor drove his backhoe over to my field to dig a hole two feet deep and about two feet wide. My wonderful husband and I then put the barrel in the ground and backfilled the space around the barrel with dirt and then covered up the exposed ground with the commercial grade weed block. Then a stake was driven into the ground next to the barrel marked with the appropriate heights for measuring the willow. 

My previous method of sorting was to use a step stool next to a large Rubbermaid garbage can and I knew I could fall at anytime using that thing. 

I also put two more drums throughout my field so that the drums are close to the willow. I know I look goofy, but here is a pic of it in use. This simple change has allowed me to work smarter and not harder as my crop increases.   

This blog was written using my own brain, not artificial intelligence. If you are interested in attending a class see the website at www.inchbyinchwillows.com