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First-Year Care for Catalpa and Willow Whips: To Prune or Not to Prune?

What You're Seeing Is Normal

"Stick" plantings (bare-root whips) prioritize root growth. Basal sprouts and low leaves feed the developing root system. The main stem may even die back, with a sprout becoming the new leader.

Hands-Off Approach

Do not prune the first year. Every leaf produces carbohydrates for roots.
Remove basal suckers only if one dominant sprout emerges clearly (end of year 1 or year 2).
Water consistently—1 inch weekly via deep soaking.

Timeline

Earliest structural pruning: end of second growing season. Patience yields stronger trees.

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