Almond willow: when and how to prune

Almond willow: when to prune it?

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While dormant in winter, from December to March.

Prune while dormant, from November to March, but not in freezing weather.

What else to prune in those months? January · February · March · December

Almond willow: how to prune it?

1. Coppice or pollard it every one to three years, just above the ground or the pollard head: this gives long, straight rods.
2. If you grow it as a shrub, thin out the oldest branches every few years; that way you also get to see the flaking bark.
3. Saw thick branches off in two stages, so the bark doesn’t tear.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: December–March.
• Can be cut back to just above the ground every few years and will then regrow.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Osier
• Purple willow
• Bay willow
• Eared willow
• Grey willow
• Goat willow

Similar to: Difference from white willow

Plant profile: Almond willow · Pruning calendar and basic rules