A catkin and secateurs get along well. The main thing is that its owner knows exactly when to pick up the cutting tool. This is revealed here and also how much of the branches is allowed to fall to the ground.

The willow is very tolerant of pruning

The catkin is pruning friendly

Catkins can develop without pruning if rapid, shady growth is desired. But it is also pruning-tolerant and drives out up to 70 cm a year. Pruning also drives the wood to flower at a quantitatively high level year after year.

Notice:
Cutting twigs in the wild is prohibited from March 1st to September 30th, as the catkins are a protected species as important bee food.

Timing depends on flowering

Most trees and shrubs are cut in early spring. This point in time would be fatal for the catkins, because the expected flowering would be destroyed.

  • wait until after flowering to cut
  • the flowering period is March to April
  • but then cut immediately

Prepare the cutting tool

If the branches of a catkin are still thin, you will probably get by with secateurs. Otherwise you will need pruning shears or a saw. All tools must be professionally prepared:

  • Clean and disinfect tools
  • no germs should stick to it
  • Sharpen blades for smooth cuts

Cut back radically

Take a close look at the branches, looking for lumps. The tree can sprout again from these. They must therefore remain standing and must not be injured when cutting. But everything that goes beyond that can be courageously removed. It is up to you how much you cut back the catkins or even give it a radical cut.

tips

Straight branches of the clippings are well suited for propagating catkins. They are put into the garden soil or preferred in pots. Before that, all buds and leaves are removed.

Cut potted specimens

Catkins can also be cultivated in pots and should also be cut back annually after flowering. If the plant does not receive an equal amount of light from each side afterwards, its crown will also grow unevenly. Therefore, the pot must be rotated regularly.

Fertilize after radical cuts

With the radical pruning, we place high performance demands on the catkins. It can only be managed if it has access to plenty of nutrients. Since new growth will start soon, you should give the plant a portion of good fertilizer immediately after cutting.

Category:

Trees