Weeping willows are fine landscape trees that add drama and a unique aesthetic to your space. The only requirement you need aside from watering is regular pruning to keep it looking its best. How short can you cut a weeping willow tree?
Weeping willows are tough enough to survive and regrow even when you cut them down to a stump. However, where hard pruning is concerned you don’t really need to. It’s all about maintaining its form and a few other things you should keep in mind.
Should Weeping Willow Be Pruned?
Most weeping willow trees you see assume a tree form, with a central trunk and many branches spreading out from it.
By nature, willow trees are supposed to grow tall and majestic, and if there’s any cutting that needs to be done it’s usually only to make it more presentable. It’s quite impossible to keep a weeping willow small, but if you do want one then you can choose a different willow species that won’t grow as tall.
Weeping willows are generally hardy trees that can withstand a wide range of conditions. However, pruning is an important part of owning a willow tree and should be done regularly to keep it strong and healthy.
In short, weeping willows should be pruned and maintained each year. Cutting a weeping willow shouldn’t be done haphazardly though, as there are several techniques you should employ.
How short can you cut a weeping willow tree
It’s not uncommon for a weeping willow tree to produce branches that are close to the ground. If left unchecked, its stately structure will be messed up and people won’t be able to walk under the tree for shade.
Cutting back a weeping willow can be done to make it an aesthetically-pleasing ornamental in your landscape. Aside from cutting the branch tips to make the tree look even, you will need to give it a trim so it can stay functional and orderly.
Most weeping willow owners prefer to grow a single central trunk, and this can be done early on while it’s still young. A willow tree sapling can be trained to have a central leader when you cut all other stems. To do this, try to locate the stem that grows in the middle of the sapling then eliminate all other stems that are roughly the same size or thickness.
Remove all but one single upward-growing stem, and again when the height reaches around 2 inches and above. The lower branches should be cut away, as well as broken or damaged ones where it connects to the trunk.
Keep in mind that you should use the appropriate tools when making the cuts. A hand pruner will suffice for thin stems and twigs, while long-handled loppers or cutters are best for dealing with branches or stems that are about 2 inches thick. For branches that are bigger then it’s recommended that you use a pruning saw or a traditional saw.
For mature willow trees, it’s best to remove broken or dead branches and those that intersect or rub against one another. If you want to keep the branches short you can look for the next twig or bud from the edge and cut there. Do not cut branches that shoot off horizontally as they’re strong and won’t likely break due to strong winds.
Remove all branches that grow on the lower area, as well as suckers that grow near or on the ground so the tree can direct its energy to the main trunk and top branches. Last but not least, you should leave at least 2 to 3 inches of space in-between the branches to promote good airflow.
When to Prune a Weeping Willow Tree
The best time to prune a weeping willow is while it’s dormant rather than flowering. The reason behind this is because willows produce a lot of sap when they’re in the growing season, and you could end up damaging or shortening its lifespan when you do the cuts then.
How short can you cut a weeping willow tree: Conclusion
You can shorten the willow tree branches and cut anywhere as long as there’s a leaf bud below. Wait until late winter or early spring and when the tree is dormant to get started on the pruning process.
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