How to Make a Willow Branch Arch

Drive a 3 foot metal stake or rebar into the ground so that 1 foot remains above the ground. Drive a second stake into the ground 4 feet away from the first so that your pathway goes between the stakes.

Cut two willow branches 16 feet long. Trim off all side branches and twigs with garden shears. Place the willow branches with the narrow sides overlapping by 2 feet.

Cut 12 inches of 16 gauge wire. Wrap the wire 2 inches from where the branches begin to overlap. Wrap the wire twice around the branches keeping the wire tight. Twist the ends together. Repeat for the second overlapping end. Wrap wire between your ends every 6 to 8 inches.

Stand your tied branches up. Bend the branches toward each other. This is easier to do with a friend to help. Position the branches 1 inch above the soil and against the inside edge of one metal stake. Wire the branch to the stake using two wires. Repeat for the second stake.

Add two more arches for good support. (You can do many more.) Space each metal stake 1 1/2 feet apart. Weave small branches horizontally between the three arches to create a trellis effect. Wire the ends of the branches diagonally to the upright arch branch. This will create a strong archway.