Wondering how to prune a weeping pussy willow tree in your backyard? Learn basic pruning tips and some background information on the tree’s growth and benefits as a landscape tree.
Pussy willows are impressive trees, adding an enchanting visual appeal to your landscaping. Learn how to prune a weeping pussy willow to promote optimal growth.
Each spring the fuzzy, soft catkins of the weeping pussy willow tree (Salix caprea pendula) emerge. Knowing how to prune the weeping pussy willow will benefit the tree’s overall appearance and also help it produce more abundant straight growth.
The best time to prune is the early spring when the catkins begin to fade away. Spring is the time of year when the abundant growth of this tree has not manifested itself yet, so the tree will suffer little damage from pruning.
An old-time favorite, nothing adds grace and beauty to a landscape than a large ornamental weeping pussy willow specimen. Often planted beside ponds or other bodies of water, the tree’s branches are often allowed to hang over the water’s edge for a stunning visual effect.
The weeping willow tree normally attains a height of up to 25 feet with a spreading canopy that reaches 25 feet in width. The tree grows best in full sunlight. It will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 8 are recommended for planting.
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Weeping pussy willow trees rarely require drastic pruning. Each spring after the catkins fade the tree should have any dead branches removed. Older branches benefit from having the first third of the branch removed. Remove any crossing limbs, deformed limbs or stray young shoots. If the tree has not been pruned in a long time be sure to remove several of the inner branches to allow sunlight and air circulation within the tree.
Many people allow the weeping willow to grow so the branches sway with the wind. When pruning for such an appearance the tree benefits from having its branches sheared straight across. Remove any straggling branches that have grown longer than others to maintain the even appearance all the way around the tree.
When removing branches that are damaged and measure more than 2 inches in diameter, paint the wound on the tree with a commercial tree sealant. The tree sealant will keep bacteria or insects from entering the live wood. Most garden supply or home improvement stores sell tree sealant.
When pruning your willow tree it is important to follow these tips to protect the tree from the disease.
Learning how to prune a weeping pussy willow properly will help ensure the overall health of the tree. It will help your willow produce the long, straight branches which make the tree’s landscape visual effect all the more stunning.
Here are the steps in shaping a willow tree:
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Maximum Lifespan. A weeping willow is relatively short-lived compared to some trees. The maximum average lifespan is 50 years, although in ideal conditions, a weeping willow may live as long as 75 years.
This willow is one of the fastest growing shade trees, growing up to 6-8 ft. a year. They start out thin, with only a few branches that point upward against the trunk. After racing to a height of about 10 ft., they put out more and more branches that arch outword to form the weeping canopy they’re famous for.
Pollarding, a pruning system involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree, promotes a dense head of foliage and branches. … Traditionally, people pollarded trees for one of two reasons: for fodder to feed livestock, or for wood.
Consider the season if your tree has dropped leaves. It’s perfectly natural for deciduous weeping willows to drop leaves from fall to spring. On the other hand, weeping willows tend to lose their leaves in summer during periods of drought and must be irrigated immediately to prevent death.
Size and shape: The weeping willow grows to a height and width of 35 to 50 feet on average, with a weeping shape. Exposure: This tree should be grown in full sun. Foliage/ flowers/ fruit: The leaves of Salix babylonica are 3-6 inches long and lance-shaped.
They are drought tolerant but need regular watering in dry conditions or they will lose some leaves. Weeping willow trees grow well in full sun to partial shade.
The crown of the weeping willow, when fully grown, can spread as much as 35 to 40 feet across. The root system, however, will grow at least this far, and will extend as deeply into the ground as the willow rises up.
The weeping willow is a rapidly growing tree, which means it is capable of adding 24 inches or more to its height in a single growing season. It grows to a maximum height of 30 to 50 feet with an equal spread, giving it a rounded shape, and can reach full growth in as soon as 15 years.
Raindrops that are falling to the ground from the drooping branches of willow resemble tears. That is how weeping willow got its name. Willow trees have elongated leaves that are green on the upper side and whitish on the bottom side. … Willow is deciduous plant, which means that it sheds its leaves each winter.
Simply put, all weeping willows are willows, but not all willows are weepers. In fact, hundreds of members of the willow (Salix spp.) genus exist around the world. While most Salix trees, shrubs and ground covers generally prefer similar growing conditions, willows vary greatly, especially in height and shape.
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I have been given a hand grafted weeping pussy willow. It is about 18 inches tall. I live in Mich and there is likely to have frost so it is too early to plant out doors. The person who bought it was told it hasn't bloomed yet this year but there were a few catkins in the pot. Instructions say to cut branches after blooming to within 4 inches of the stem. The branches are as long as the stem and lots of leaves on the branches. Should I cut the branches now or is there a likelyhood it hasn't bloomed yet? It is interesting to see how many leaves have grown on it since receiving it just a couple of weeks ago. I hope you can answer my question or guide me to someone who can. Thank you for your help.
I must have the same willow treee, as my instructions are as Mary wrote above. Mary, did you get any answers to your question? I don’t know what to do with my weeping willow.