When Should I Prune Pussy Willow Bushes?

Basic Pruning

• Prune to remove dead branches and diseased wood anytime of year. Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts in the branches. Pussy willows have narrow, relatively soft branches. A sharp pair of pruning shears should be all you need to prune a pussy willow. Use a tree saw on thick stem sections. Clean tools with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning each plant to prevent spreading disease. Clean your pruning shears after every cut when pruning out diseased branches.

Yearly Pruning

• Prune pussy willows yearly in late winter or early spring to keep this fast-growing shrub a manageable shape and size. Take a minute to look at the overall shape and visualize the shape you want to create. Cut back individual branches just above a leaf bud. Use sharp shears and make cuts about 1/4 inch above the bud. Pussy willows recover quickly from heavy pruning so go ahead and cut it back as much as necessary.

Renewal Pruning

• Every three to five years, cut pussy willows down to the ground to rejuvenate the plant and encourage new, healthy growth. Cut the branches down to 1/2 to 1 inch above the ground. If you have a heavy duty lawn mover, you can mow the pussy willow stand. An alternative way to renew a pussy willow is by cutting the shrub back heavily every three to five years. Cut out one-third of the branches just above the soil line.

Cuttings

• Take pussy willow cuttings for arrangements. The long straight stems lined with fuzzy white leaf buds work alone in a vase or as part of a flower arrangement. Take the cuttings in winter before the buds emerge. The warm indoor environment forces the buds to emerge prematurely for winter arrangements. You can also take cuttings as the buds are beginning to form in late winter and early spring. Keep the overall shape in mind when taking cuttings to avoid leaving a big hole in one area.