To my disappointment willow wood is not useful as a carving wood. It is very soft and may be a good wood to practice carving with. But it rots fast, it is often full of parasites and bugs. And does not hold up as it shrinks and cracks upon rapid drying.
I have two 6’+diameter willow trunks, about 15 long and much more of every size in my back yard this summer (2020). I was hoping to carve these into something large and beautiful, but I realize now it is probably not a good idea.
Willow wood is not useful for much more than fire wood for a bonfire. It is not good for home heating either because it burns with creosote. Which poses a fire hazard in a chimney. And it does not have a lot of energy per unit volume compared to other woods.
So if you’re like me and have a ton of willow wood, only use it for practice carving, hone your carving skills, perhaps in front of a bonfire. Then just burn it when done. Don’t waste your time creating something you want to keep and showcase. Instead use a wood like cedar or black walnut or cherry for that.