When to prune a weeping pussy willow?

June 13, 2012 2:43 PM

When and how should I prune my very sad weeping pussy willow?

Hello,

We bought a weeping pussy willow about a month ago, when the catkins were at their fullest and just about to fall off. they have since fallen off and been replaced by large lush leaves, which we weren't sure what to do with, and now those, as wlel as the longest parts of the older brances, are starting to die.

is it too late now in the season to prune them? If we can still prune them, what is the best way to do it?

I apologize if this is information that exists all over the internet, I've had a hard time finding something for our specific circumstances (ie. whether or not to prune late in the season)

Thanks,

Amelia

posted by ameliaaah to home & garden (4 answers total)

I've heard somewhere that you're not supposed to prune willows, but I'm not sure if it's true or not. Anyway, here's a link I found, hopefully it's one you haven't seen yet and that applies to your situation.

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trees-shrubs/how-prune-pussy-willows.htm
posted by brenton at 4:36 PM on June 13, 2012

you don't list a location, so I'll assume US based and give the standard US based advice: call your local county co-op extension.

In my county, the master gardeners (through the extension) give pruning lessons. After making an appointment, they came to my house and told me how to prune several of my plants.
posted by k5.user at 7:13 AM on June 14, 2012

not US based, I'm in canada, and in a city. it's an indoor plant, I don't know if that would change things, btu I don't think we have master gardeners through county co-op extensions here...but calling a horticulturalist or something like that is a good idea!
posted by ameliaaah at 9:19 AM on June 22, 2012

and brenton: yes, this is one that we found! Thanks though. I think that pruning pussy willows is different than pruning regular willows, as far as I know pussy willows have to be pruned.
posted by ameliaaah at 9:20 AM on June 22, 2012