Pruning Pussy Willow (Salix) in SE Pennsylvania

SE PA gardener has Chinese and regular pussy willow. Asks when and how hard to prune.

Standard Shrub/Tree Types (Not Grown for Winter Stems)

• When: Late winter / early spring.
• What: Remove crossed, wayward, dead stems to base. Shape if size reduction needed.
• Frequency: Every 3 years often sufficient.

Types Grown for Winter Stem Color (Coppice Method)

• When: Every spring.
• What: Cut ALL growth to 2–3 buds from base.
• Why: Only way to produce colorful new stems.

Identify which type you have. Drastic spring coppicing looks severe but yields best winter display.