The effect of cutting season on coppicing and growth of exotic (S. 'Aquatica', S. x dasyclados, S. viminalis) and local willows (S. phylicifolia, S. pentandra), and downy birch (B. pubescens) was studied in two experiments. At each of the 32-36 or 53 cutting times, 20-30 stools were cut down. Cutting of exotic willows at the end of July or beginning of August had a very detrimental effect on the survival, height growth and biomass production. Even though the height of local willows and downy birch was significantly shorter when cut during the growing period, their survival was not affected. Stump height (0, 10, 20 or 40 cm) affected markedly the biomass production of S. 'Aquatica' from the second rotation on. In the third rotation willows cut to 40-cm stump height yielded 68% less and those cut to 20-cm stump height 28% less than those cut to 10-cm stump height. Manual harvesting damage simulating the effects of harvesting machines had a negative effect on survival, height and biomass production in a young S. 'Aquatica' plantation. In older, well established plantations the effect was not significant. Differences between cutting methods were small.