The Whomping Willow is a very valuable, very violent species of magical plant. Whomping Willows will attack anyone and anything that comes within range of its branches. A deciduous plant, its limbs function as arms and any damage to them must be treated in much the same way.
Careful approach the Whomping Willow with stealth to avoid being attacked by its branches! Beware of Muggles who frequent this area.