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Hardly any other tree can be pruned as rigorously as the willow. Nevertheless, a few tips and tricks for the perfect willow cut do not hurt.
Willows (Salix) are suitable both as a decorative eye-catcher in parks and in gardens and are more diverse than you might think. In addition to the popular harlequin willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'), hanging willows such as the weeping willow (Salix alba 'Tristis') or the hanging catkin willow ( Salix caprea 'Pendula') asked. A positive feature of willows is their extreme insensitivity to any kind of pruning, so they can be shortened without any problems. We show you what to look out for when cutting back willows.
Pruning willows: the right time
In addition to the right time for the pasture itself, nature conservation must also be taken into account here, because radical cuts are not possible all year round to protect breeding birds.
When is willow cutting allowed?
When pruning willows, the same applies as for all trees and shrubs: Only make heavy cuts on the tree between October 1st and February 28th. Due to nature conservation, no radical pruning may be carried out in the summer months, as birds need the trees as breeding and nesting sites. In addition, the flowering of the willows in early spring is an important food source for insects and should therefore not be cut away. Slight topiary cuts, on the other hand, are possible all year round.
- If you want to carry out a stronger pruning measure, then this should be done in winter between 1.10. and 28.2. happen. Due to the late pruning, however, you remove many flower buds and have to do without a rich flowering in spring.
- Topiology is best done after flowering, around June.
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- Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical secateurs for effortlessly cutting tall trees and dense bushes from the ground.
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Pruning every six to eight years has proven effective when caring for the popular pollarded willow. Cut off all shoots right at the base close to the trunk. Be sure to cut at an angle so that rainwater can drain properly and rot does not occur. The tree will later sprout again with fresh shoots. In addition to cutting the crown, side shoots should be removed from the trunk.
Pruning hanging willow and weeping willow
The hanging willows include, for example, the weeping willow (Salix alba 'Tristis') or the hanging catkin willow (Salix caprea 'Pendula' ). Cutting the weeping willow is not absolutely necessary. If some branches are in danger of breaking off or have died, they can easily be removed by cutting at the base. Excessively long or disturbing shoots may also be cut off at the base. You can also cut back the shoots by only a third of their length. The cut should be made above a dormant eye, i.e. a small thickening in the branch, as the willow will sprout again here. With young weeping willows, you can create harmonious growth with a topiary. All branches are cut back by two thirds.
Corkscrew Willow Cut
To maintain the dense growth habit and to counteract senescence, you should cut the corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'). A pruning every four to five years is sufficient. The best time to trim willow is around February, before the growing season. Then remove dead or crossing branches. Every two years you can prune back a little more vigorously, then remove a third of the older shoots by cutting right at the base.
The same applies to the Japanese dragon willow (Salix sachalinensis 'Sekka'), which is a very special ornament with its wide and twisted shoots.
Pruning willow
Since the numerous catkins of the willow (Salix caprea) are particularly valuable for bees and other insects, it makes sense to only cut them after flowering. The male catkin willow (Salix caprea 'Mas') produces many flowers and should not be cut in spring. This also applies to other kitten-bearing willows. So you can enjoy the pussy willows in spring and get lots of new flowers the following year. However, the ban on radical cuts in the Federal Nature Conservation Act took effect in April. So you must not cut back the willow completely, but only shorten the long shoots.
Tip: There are also very low and bushy willow species, such as the lavender willow (Salix rosmarinifolia) and the creeping willow ( Salix repens ssp. argentea). These can be cut back almost to the ground.
Can you cut pussy willow?
By willow catkin one understands the flowers of all willow species. Some species, such as the Salweide (Salix caprea), produce particularly large and beautiful kittens. It is also often referred to as the kitten willow. If you want to cut flowering shoots for decorative purposes, that's no problem with your own willow in the garden. Unless you are in a protected area, you may also trim a few branches of wild catkin willow for private use.
If you want to cut pussy willows in your own garden, trimming or topiary is also allowed after the flowering period in April. However, more radical cuts are prohibited under the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
Tip: You should replenish the nutrients that are lost through pruning in the spring with fertilization. Especially organic fertilizers, such asour Plantura organic universal fertilizer are ideal for this.
Besides the willows, there are other bee-friendly trees for the garden. We have put together the most beautiful ones for you.