Pruning a Mature Pussy Willow for Size and Catkins

A nine-year-old pussy willow is a rarity—most succumb to twig blight, leaf spot, aphids, or leaf beetles within a few years. If yours is thriving, pruning won't kill it. To reduce it to a bushy size, cut selected canes back to the trunk or to a side branch. This encourages fresh growth and plenty of catkins for next year's harvest. The best time to prune is right after the catkins fade in late spring. Remove no more than one-third of the total growth in a single season to avoid stressing the plant. With proper cuts, your pussy willow will remain vigorous and productive for years to come.