For the growth to remain in the weeping position, you have to hang it upside down until the shoots harden off. This could take a while, but once the shoots become "woody" they will remain in that position, leaving you with a permanent downwardly sweeping set of secondrary branching...

Thanks mark.
Next time will be longer, with some pot mods to avoid having to dribble water into the drain holes.

Using this method, wouldn't new growth on the weeping branches just turn into funny looking 'S' curves once the tree was set upright again, or would you suggest permanently hanging the tree upside down except when on display?

fletchem, yes you're right, I never got around to hanging it again & it does have some funny s shaped branches. No problem though, next spring i will simply prune the branches back to the point before the branches bend upwards again. But yes, the branch tips turn upwards so fast the tree would need to spend most of it's time upside down.

Nice start, fishing sinkers and string should work. I believe Z trains his branchs this way.

James

I have a willow I had been working on for sometime, I simply use a little wire and let it bite in just a tad on a young branch which helps it set in place.

I would never hang a tree upside down, I totally agree that 'S' shaped movements would make the tree look a bit strange.

I posted a picture of a nice willow a month back from my time in japan....it was trained by wire and clipping only.

Nice start. Get that baby in a bigger pot and let those roots runs. I would also set the bottom part of the pot in a shallow dish of water and after a season you will see roots thriving under water!

There is a set of willows growing along the lake I live on right on the bank of near my home. Its amazing how far the roots grow under the water and are always covered.

take care,

Matthew Ouwinga