The weeping willow owes its name to its growth form, which is somewhat reminiscent of a tree that lets its branches hang down sadly. Would you like to brighten up your weeping willow tree with a pruning? Given the rapid growth, this can be very helpful, especially if the weeping willow takes up too much space in the garden. However, this task presents many a gardener with a real challenge due to the long rods. With the tips on this page, you can still cut back your weeping willow without any problems.

Weeping willow is best pruned in spring

From weeping willow to pollarded willow

Willows are known to be very tolerant of pruning. So don't be afraid to make a radical cut. The deciduous tree forgives any mistakes and compensates for them with rapid growth. The complete removal of the rods, so that only a stump remains, was common in the past. In this case, the pruned weeping willow was then called a pollarded willow.

Is a pruning necessary?

Hardly any other tree has such a distinctive growth habit as the weeping willow. If the hanging branches do not disturb, a pruning is not absolutely necessary. However, regular trimming will help prevent large amounts of foliage. In addition, the flexible rods can be used for other purposes (e.g. to weave a screen or baskets).

time

It is best to prune your weeping willow in early spring. If you start cutting before the flowers sprout, you will be rewarded with a particularly large number of catkins a little later.
However, due to legal regulations, you should not wait too long. In the period from March to October, a radical pruning of the weeping willow is prohibited, since the deciduous tree serves as a habitat for many species of birds and insects.

The right tool

It is best to use the following utensils:

  • a chainsaw with a long sword to cut up even thick branches
  • a cherry picker to reach the crown effortlessly

Action

  • work your way from the outside in
  • shorten the new shoots by about two-thirds
  • cut off the branches below the leaf bud
  • then smooth the interfaces with the chainsaw, this ensures better wound healing

New growth after cutting

The weeping willow drives out again after a short time at the interfaces. Thanks to their rapid growth, you don't have to worry about disfiguring the tree with a wrong cut. Small mistakes grow together in no time.

Category:

Trees