If a corkscrew willow loses its symmetrical silhouette or expands its size, you should cut the ornamental shrub back. These instructions will show you in practice how to properly cut the picturesque wood with spiral branches.
How do I cut a corkscrew willow correctly?
To properly prune a corkscrew willow, choose a frost-free, leaf-free day between November and February/March. Light thoroughly, remove dead, diseased and crowded shoots and cut to the desired length just above the branch or a leaf node.
Time slot is open in winter
The choice of date for pruning is just as important as the cutting itself. If you want to cut your corkscrew willow correctly, the only option is a frost-free day during the leaf-free period. Consequently, the time window is open from November to February/March. In the middle of the growing season, the cutting of individual top cuttings for propagation is permitted.
First thin out – then cut back
Before you cut your corkscrew willow back to the desired size, thin out the ornamental shrub thoroughly. So that sunlight can penetrate deep into the tree, all dead shoots are cut off close to the ground. Please do the same with stunted, diseased and branches that are too close together. From the fifth year onwards, 3 or 4 of the oldest branches should be removed to ensure continuous rejuvenation.
Instructions for the correct cut
The corkscrew willow demonstrates its undemanding frugality not least with its uncomplicated cutting requirements. Even if, as a beginner, you don't cut the ornamental tree completely correctly, the mistakes will grow out again in no time and you can try again. This overview shows you how to cut back the striking shrub correctly:
- Prune all branches to the desired length
- Place the scissors at a short distance above a branch or a leaf node
- Shortcuts up to a hand's width above the ground are possible without any problems
As you work, take a few steps back to plan the next cuts. In this way you ensure that the corkscrew willow presents itself with harmonious contours at the end.
Cut back radically in the pot and repot
So that the corkscrew willow in the pot exudes its bizarre charm, you should boldly cut the shrub back every year. After you have thinned out the wood, radically shorten all remaining branches. As long as at least one sleeping eye remains on the branch, the plant will sprout again.
After pruning, repot the ornamental shrub into a larger pot. In order to use the previous container again, the root ball can be sawn to the appropriate size and reinserted into fresh substrate.
Care after cutting
Beyond the shape and maintenance pruning, a corkscrew willow only requires a little maintenance. A layer of mulch is beneficial for dense, he althy growth. If you spread a layer of compost (€41.00 at Amazon) on the root disk, supplemented with horn shavings, the ornamental tree will gratefully accept these organic nutrients. Watering is only necessary when it is dry for a long time.
Tip
You can cut back your corkscrew willow ever so radically; This measure has no effect on the spread of the aggressive roots. If you fear damage due to intensive root pressure on masonry, supply pipes or paved surfaces, you cannot avoid completely removing the rhizomes.
