Keep it small: cut corkscrew willow properly

The corkscrew willow (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa ‘) with its unusual growth and bizarre silhouette is an eye-catcher in every garden, regardless of whether it is planted outdoors or in pots. To keep it that way, it is necessary to cut the corkscrew willow.

Very fast growing

The Salix matsudana "Tortuosa" can reach a proud height of between eight and twelve meters in just a few years. Under favorable conditions, their annual growth is between 50 and 100 centimeters. In addition, the corkscrew willow is a shallow root. The roots spread like a plate in the top layer of soil in all directions and do not stop at any pipes or foundations. Further features of this imposing appearance are

• often growing with several stems
• curved, twisted and drooping branches
• young shoots greenish and hairy, later gray
• shimmering red in the sun
• Twisted leaves 5 to 10 cm long
• gray-white catkins from March to April

Over the years, corkscrew willows get more beautiful, but they also get bigger and bigger. The beautiful bizarre shape of the shrub or tree can quickly get out of shape. Furthermore, the willow tends to get old, after 15 years at the latest the beautiful appearance is gone without pruning and the old branches become brittle. Therefore, it is advisable to cut a corkscrew willow at intervals. Also for the reason to limit their growth a little and to determine the size yourself.

Note: Corkscrew willows are not really suitable for small gardens. Here should rather be on a slowly growing Corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta').

Optimal time

The perfect time to prune a corkscrew willow is between November and early March. The willow should already have lost all leaves by this point, because this is the only way to cut it into the right shape. In the case of specimens that are still leafy, no pruning is possible, as the branches are not clearly visible through the leaves. The following should also be noted:

• choose a dry and frost-free day
• damp weather promotes fungal diseases and
• wound healing is slow
• Avoid strong sunlight
• fresh wounds can burn
• Carry out pruning measures on overcast but rain-free days

Note: It should be noted that noisy Federal Nature Conservation Act a cut back from 1. March to 31st September is not allowed to protect the breeding birds.

Cut properly

Normally, an annual pruning is not absolutely necessary. In the garden itself, it would be enough to prune the corkscrew willow every 3 to 5 years. However, in order to keep the willow accordingly small, it is advisable to thin out the crown annually and, if necessary, to carry out a slight pruning. This not only promotes growth, but also sprouting and health. The procedure is as follows

• remove all sick and dead shoots
• The same applies to intersecting branches and
• branches growing steeply upwards
• remove all branches next to the main trunk close to the ground

After the crown has been thinned, the healthy shoots can then be shortened to the desired height:

• shorten old shoots by a third
• up to a maximum of half
• old shoots recognizable by the dark bark
• do not completely remove healthy shoots

It is advisable to take a few steps back between cuts in order to see the shape of the willow from all sides. This makes it possible to properly control the shape.

Note: After the fifth year of standing, three or four of the oldest branches should be for rejuvenation be removed completely.

Cut back in the bucket

In order to keep the willow accordingly small, it is necessary to cut the corkscrew willow every two years - even better every year. The pruning can be done radically here, only a sleeping eye has to remain in order to be able to drive out again. It should be cut in early spring, then if necessary repotting in fresh soil and, if necessary, in a larger container.

Note the cut

Suitable tools are required for cutting, such as

• Secateurs for thin branches
  
• Branch saw for thick branches

These must be clean and sharp. Disinfect the devices with hot water or alcohol before and after each use. Please also note:

• Hold the branches at a slight angle to cut
• make straight, smooth cuts
• Place scissors briefly over leaf knots or branches
• Leaf nodes are thickenings on shoots
• Do not squeeze shoots

Note: You can use the cut off shoots for propagation. In a vase with water, they will take root after a few weeks.

Radical cut in old age

In order to rejuvenate the willow, a radical pruning can be done with increasing age and aging. This is usually the case after 15 years. To do this, all shoots are shortened to about ten centimeters above the ground or at the end of the trunk. Budding then takes place again without any problems.

Education to the standard

Usually grow Willow species rather bushy and with several trunks. The corkscrew willow can also be pulled to a high trunk very easily. To do this, the branches must be pruned. Start with the measure in the first year of standing. However, experts recommend doing this over several years. Measures are:

• Remove all lower shoots from the main trunk
• leave no stubs 
• Carry out a slightly diagonal cut
• never parallel
• Remove more and more branches every year

The bolting is completed when the previously specified clearance height has been reached.

Note: After pruning, apply a layer of mulch made of compost or horn shavings on the root disc and water regularly in the event of prolonged drought.

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