Adding a White Willow to your yard means bringing in a majestic giant that adds so much character to your outdoor space. From the first buds of spring to the golden hues of fall, these trees are a real sight to behold. But if you’ve got one of these beauties, you might be wondering: how do I keep it from taking over the whole neighborhood? Knowing when and how to prune is key. Here’s the lowdown on keeping your willow happy and healthy.
Why Prune at All?
Willows come in all shapes and sizes, but unlike those tiny ornamental varieties, the White Willow is a true heavyweight, capable of reaching heights of up to 115 feet! They do most of their heavy lifting in the early years; as they age, they only add a few inches of height each season.
Even if your garden isn’t exactly a sprawling estate, you can usually make a White Willow work if you stay on top of pruning. Trimming it back isn’t just about keeping it “garden-sized,” though—it’s also about the tree’s health.
White Willows are vigorous growers. If you let the branches go wild, the canopy can become so wide and heavy that the tree becomes a hazard. A massive, unpruned willow acts like a sail in a storm, making it prone to wind damage or even splitting apart under its own weight.
How to Prune Like a Pro
With its dense branches and lush foliage, the White Willow is a five-star hotel for nesting birds. To keep from disturbing our feathered friends—and to avoid stressing the tree while the sap is flowing—you should only prune between late fall and February.
Pro-tips for a successful cut:
- You can prune all the shoots back close to the main trunk or “head.”
- If you have a weeping variety, go a little easier on the trim.
- Consider “pollarding” (cutting back to the main stem) to create a classic “knotted” willow look.
- Always cut at an angle so rainwater slides right off the wound.
- Give your tree a good trim at least every six years.
Most gardeners prefer to do the heavy lifting in late fall or winter. Because White Willows are such fast growers, they can handle a pretty aggressive “hard prune.” Then, just before the leaves start to pop in early spring, you can do a second light trim to fine-tune the shape. Whether you want a natural look or a traditional pollarded shape, a little maintenance goes a long way!
