If a corkscrew willow loses its symmetrical silhouette or exceeds all dimensions with its circumference, you should cut back the ornamental shrub. These instructions show you practically how to properly cut the picturesque wood with the spiral branches.

The corkscrew willow is pruned in winter

Timeslot is open in winter

Choosing the date for the pruning is just as important as the pruning itself. If you want to cut your corkscrew willow properly, only a frost-free day during the leaf-free period can be considered. Consequently, the time slot is open from November to February/March. In the midst of the vegetation period, the cutting of isolated head cuttings for propagation is permitted.

Thin out first - then cut back

Before you cut back your corkscrew willow to the desired size, thin out the ornamental shrub thoroughly. All dead shoots are cut off close to the ground so that the sunlight can penetrate deep into the wood. Do the same with stunted, diseased and too close together branches. From the fifth year, 3 or 4 of the oldest branches should be removed to ensure continuous regeneration.

Instructions for the correct cutting guide

Last but not least, the corkscrew willow proves its undemanding frugality with uncomplicated cutting requirements. Even if, as a beginner, you don't cut the ornamental tree correctly, the mistakes will grow out in no time and you can try again. This overview shows how to cut back the striking shrub correctly:

  • Cut back all branches to desired length
  • Position the scissors a short distance above a branch or leaf node
  • Shortenings up to a hand’s breadth above the ground are possible without any problems

As the work progresses, repeatedly step back a few steps to plan the next cuts. In this way you ensure that the corkscrew willow presents itself with harmonious contours at the end.

Cut back radically in the bucket and repot

So that the corkscrew willow exudes its bizarre charm in the bucket, you should pluck the shrub boldly every year. After you have thinned out the wood, cut back all remaining branches radically. As long as at least one dormant eye remains on the branch, the plant will sprout again.

After pruning, repot the ornamental shrub into a larger bucket. In order to use the previous container again, the root ball can be sawn to the right size and used again in fresh substrate.

Post-cut care

Beyond the shape and maintenance cut, a corkscrew willow requires only little care. A layer of mulch is beneficial for dense, healthy growth. Spread out a layer of compost on the root disc, supplemented with horn shavings,(32.93€) the ornamental tree gratefully accepts these organic nutrients. Watering is only necessary in the case of prolonged drought.

tips

No matter how radically you cut back your corkscrew willow; this measure has no effect on the spread of aggressive roots. If you fear damage due to intensive root pressure on masonry, supply pipes or paved areas, you cannot avoid removing the rhizomes completely.

Category:

Trees