Do willow trees grow back?

[Needaholi]

Our neighbour has a huge willow tree that was half into our garden. It made a nice feature.
They recently discussed with us giving it a 'haircut' as it was all a bit overgrown. We were OK with this.
They've just had it done and completely cut all the branches back to the main trunk of the tree. It's gone and I'm absolutely gutted. DH isn't bothered but to me it was a lovely feature.
I can't understand why they've done this when we were lead to believe it was just to even it up 'a bit'. I know it's not our tree but still disappointed. Will it grow back and how long?

Yes it grows back, and fast! You can almost sit in the garden and watch it.
We had to be quite brutal with ours last year as it became a bit of a monster.
Within days new shoots were sprouting and within two months it was in full leave again.
It's amazing to watch.

Sorry 'leaf'

Yes it will grow back. And fast.
A house near me had a willow in their front garden They chopped it right back to leave nothing but the trunk - within a year it had grown back.
I think this is how willows are normally pruned.

Yes, it will grow back. They have pollarded it - that's the name for that type of pruning. Very common thing to do to willow trees.

Yes it's the best way to prune willows, don't worry it will soon be back.

OK thanks all, reassuring to hear

Yes. We used to totem pole ours every couple of years. It always grew back massive.

We strip ours down regularly. They love a good haircut

It will grow back.

Mine was pollarded a couple of years ago, but it doesn't seem to have grown since. Is it dead? 😢

It should grow back. They are very thirsty trees though, and take the water that your other plants might need.

It's a pity, but as you say, it's in their garden, and a huge tree normally.. I don't personally think they are suitable for most town gardens (If it is in town. You might like to plant a weeping silver pear-they are beautiful and not too big.