Osier: when and how to prune

Osier: 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

Osier: 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. Use the rods fresh for weaving, or let them dry and soak them in water for a few days before use.
3. If you would rather have a shrub than coppice, just remove a few old branches each year.

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.
• Osier flowers in March–April, when it attracts bees.
• If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
• Host plant: caterpillars of butterflies or moths eat the leaves.
• 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

• Almond willow
• Purple willow
• Bay willow
• Eared willow
• Grey willow
• Goat willow

Similar to: Difference from white willow · Difference from purple willow · Difference from goat willow · Difference from sea buckthorn · Difference from creeping willow

Plant profile: Osier · Pruning calendar and basic rules