table of contents
- Cut back in spring
- Winter pruning
- Pay attention to the weather
- frequently asked Questions
When cutting a willow, success depends on the right time. The right date helps to prevent possible problems after the cut.
In a nutshell
- Due to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, the trees may only be cut over the winter
- the ideal time to cut pastures is February
- a cut at the beginning of winter is also possible
- moderate pruning measures are allowed over the summer
- some types of willow do not need to be cut at all
Cut back in spring
Regardless of the type of willow you are cultivating, it is preferred to cut all of them at the same time. Since willows are trees, you must observe the Federal Nature Conservation Act. That means, between the 1st March and 30. Due to reasons of bird protection, no trees such as willows may be cut in September. Above all, this means extensive maintenance and cutbacks. For this reason, cut or thin out Salis species over the winter. The appropriate cutting time in February is as follows:
- after the last winter frosts
- before new leaf shoots
- before kitten formation
Tip:The Harlequin Willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki') should receive a moderate pruning from the end of June to mid-July in addition to the pruning in February. You should only shorten the crown a little so that it continues to sprout vigorously over the summer.
Winter pruning
An exception to the actual time for cutting concerns white willow (Salix alba) and all specimens that were raised as pollard willows. If, for certain reasons, you do not have the opportunity to cut in spring, you can put the measure at the beginning of winter. November is recommended, when the night-time temperatures are not yet too low. As with spring pruning, a minimum of 5 ° C is recommended.
Note: Before cutting, it is essential to check whether animals are already overwintering in your pastures. If this is the case, you must not cut the plant until the visitors have left the winter quarters.
Pay attention to the weather
It is not just the time to cut the willow that is important in order to properly prune your Salis. You should choose a suitable day, the weather of which does not affect the pasture. Although they are very robust and cut compatible, the weather can still be uncomfortable for them. The following points should be considered when choosing the day:
- dry
- no precipitation
- cloudy sky
- Frost free
frequently asked Questions
Summer cuts may only be carried out if the cutting measures are light. A radical back cut or a classic care cut are not part of it. Careful exposure, on the other hand, is possible. Make sure that you only remove this year's shoots. Others are not allowed.
If you cultivate a weeping willow (Salix babylonica), you do not have to reserve a time for cutting if you prefer the natural growth habit. The hanging shoots would be shortened too much with one cut. If, on the other hand, the shoots are not to be too long, the mourning path is cut in February. She should have a cut every six to eight years.
If you recognize wild shoots on your pastures, you can remove them either at the normal cutting time or late around mid-July. Wild shoots from the ground will be torn out while you cut the others right on the trunk. This maintenance measure is permitted in summer, as it is not an extensive cut.
