Using willow trunk as frame for a swing set

CarPark2

We have willow trees along the front of our garden. They have grown too tall and i am going to have them cut down. They are reasonably straight, and it thought the cut trunks might be nice to use to build a climbing frame or a swing set frame for the kids.
Any ideas on whether willow would be any good for this purpose. When i see it blowing in the wind, it seems kind of flexible, so i am wondering if it lacks strength or if it will rot quickly.
Thanks in advance.

listermint

It's too weak for this purpose. It's a lightweight wood. Has many uses but not for this purpose

CarPark2

Thanks. When you say it has many uses, would it be any good as posts for a fence? Any ideas on other uses?

listermint

CarPark2 wrote: »

Thanks. When you say it has many uses, would it be any good as posts for a fence? Any ideas on other uses?

Nope. It's not meant for construction purposes so disregard any garden related construction .

Think more decorative

Alun

You could always get into the cricket bat making business if all else fails

Rows Grower

CarPark2 wrote: »

We have willow trees along the front of our garden. They have grown too tall and i am going to have them cut down. They are reasonably straight, and it thought the cut trunks might be nice to use to build a climbing frame or a swing set frame for the kids.
Any ideas on whether willow would be any good for this purpose. When i see it blowing in the wind, it seems kind of flexible, so i am wondering if it lacks strength or if it will rot quickly.
Thanks in advance.

It won't rot anyway if you cut it and use it anywhere near where it grew it will probably root again.

Willow is very resilient and flexible, if the trunks are thick it would be perfect for what you have in mind.

listermint

Rows Grower wrote: »

It won't rot anyway if you cut it and use it anywhere near where it grew it will probably root again.

Willow is very resilient and flexible, if the trunks are thick it would be perfect for what you have in mind.

Willow is too weak for a swing set what sort of advice is this. It's not meant for those sort of stresses.

tabby aspreme

How thick are these tree trunks

Lumen

The idea is to leave the trunks in the ground and make a swing?

I think it's a lovely idea with a low probability of fatalities.

CarPark2

Lumen wrote: »

The idea is to leave the trunks in the ground and make a swing?

I think it's a lovely idea with a low probability of fatalities.

Just to be clear, the idea is to cut down the trees and put the trunks in another part of the garden for other uses, e.g., a climbing frame; a swing set; or fence posts.

148multi

CarPark2 wrote: »

Just to be clear, the idea is to cut down the trees and put the trunks in another part of the garden for other uses, e.g., a climbing frame; a swing set; or fence posts.

The biggest issue is they will take root and grow, have seen windblown willow take a second set of roots where it touched the ground, even if you have ones strong enough.

Lumen

CarPark2 wrote: »

Just to be clear, the idea is to cut down the trees and put the trunks in another part of the garden for other uses, e.g., a climbing frame; a swing set; or fence posts.

Oh right. I think it's a bad idea then. What listermint said.

dathi

https://www.wood-database.com/white-willow/

there is the strength and durability of willow you can look up other woods on the data base

CarPark2

148multi wrote: »

The biggest issue is they will take root and grow, have seen windblown willow take a second set of roots where it touched the ground, even if you have ones strong enough.

Thanks. I definitely don’t want that. I have to put French drains in the area for the swing set, so the last thing I want are willow roots.