The silver willow is the largest willow species in Germany. It reaches a maximum height of 30 meters. Especially in the first few years, it shoots up rapidly. Only later does growth increase by just a few centimetres. Nevertheless, the high growth in your own garden can cause space problems. By trimming your white willow regularly, you can keep the spread under control. Find out here what you need to consider.
White willow is best pruned in winter
Cut back for your own protection
A pollarded willow is known for its strong budding. A pruning must be carried out at least every ten years in order to protect people and the deciduous tree itself, because
- due to the strong shoots, the tree threatens to break apart
- the flexible branches are easily torn off by storms
use clippings
It used to be common to cut white willows so much that only a stub remained at the base. This was called a pollarded willow. Even then, this pruning served a double purpose. The extremely flexible willows were used to weave baskets, for example. Take an example and don't simply dispose of your clippings in the compost. There are numerous practical ways to use the branches:
- as material for a self-woven pasture fence, a privacy screen or a bed edging
- tied together as a decorative rod
- to increase the white willow
time
Since numerous animal species live in white willows and birds use the trees as nesting sites in the summer months, you may only cut a white willow from October to February. This is even required by law and will be punished with high fines in case of violation.
It is best to prune your white willow in winter. In the spring you can then make another shape cut.
Cut back how much?
You don't have to worry that you could disfigure your pasture with a radical pruning. The tree species is considered to be very vigorous and cut-tolerant. After a short time, the white willow will sprout again, even after severe pruning. This is even important for keeping growth under control.