A hanging catkin willow also sprouts countless fluffy flowers in spring. But it impresses the viewer above all with its crown shape. But this is not given to her by nature. So your owner has to help with the design, of course with scissors.

The hanging willow should only be cut from the age of four

No beautiful crown without cutting

The sprouting point of the hanging catkin willow is at the upper end of the trunk and is spatially tight. New branches sprout from it every year. Since the little tree cannot grow taller, the following scenario arises: the new branches lie over the old ones layer by layer and thus take away the light from them. As a result, the inside of the crown is visibly bare, branches die off completely. Unpruned branches also branch out and push close together towards the ground.

Time for a maintenance cut

The tree creates the hanging shape of the crown itself. The purpose of pruning is to create space for new branches. There is no need for this in the first four years of life. The kitten should be able to develop undisturbed. Only then should you reach for the scissors every year.

To fully appreciate the second attribute of the hanging catkin willow, the fluffy catkin flowers, wait until after flowering to prune. The flowering period is in March and April. Act immediately afterwards.

Instructions for a powerful cut

You don't need to be a master at cutting the hanging catkin. Vital and dead branches can be clearly distinguished during the vegetation period.

  • completely remove all dead branches (on Astring)
  • Cut back vital shoots to 2 to 4 leaves or buds
  • Put the scissors as close as possible to the pair of leaves or buds

The kitten tolerates pruning, it will sprout just as vigorously and, above all, quickly after this vigorous pruning. It doesn't take long and it has regained its beautiful crown shape with hanging shoots up to 50 cm long.

tips

When trimming a catkin willow, use pruning shears with a bypass system as they allow for precision work.

A restrained cut is also possible

The branches of this catkin grow about 50 cm in length per year. In the case of specimens with a tall trunk, this gives a certain amount of freedom when cutting. Even if you don't otherwise want to prune your tree radically, you can proceed as follows:

  • remove dead branches
  • shorten vital branches to the desired length
  • If necessary, thin out the inside of the crown

Notice:
Since this plant is grafted, no new hanging willows can be propagated from the cut branches, unlike with other willows.

slowing down wildlife

The hanging catkin can only develop in its growth habit through targeted grafting. A vital wild trunk is combined with a picturesque crown. However, the wild rootstock strives to sprout itself vigorously. These wild shoots grow at a rapid pace and disturb the overall picture with their upward striving. They also compete with the hanging shoots for light.

  • don't wait long to remove it
  • Cut wild shoots off the stem close to the bark
  • Tear out wild shoots at the root base with a strong jerk

tips

The trunk of the Hanging Kitten Willow will no longer increase in height after grafting. You should therefore already use the desired size when planting.

Category:

Trees