Crack willow: when and how to prune

Salix × fragilis

Crack willow is best pruned in November–March.

Updated on 10 October 2026

Crack willow: when to prune it?

Pollard in winter (November–March), preferably not when it is freezing.

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

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

Every 3–7 years cut all the branches off just above the head. If you wait too long, the head splits under the weight of the heavy branches.
Saw off thick branches in two stages: first a little higher up, then just above the head, so that the bark doesn’t tear.
Let a new set form a head in its first few years; after that, always pollard it at the same height.

One pruning period a year: November–March.
Pollarding: every 3 to 7 years, cut all branches back to the head, in winter.
Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

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.

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

Caution: Don’t leave cut branches lying on wet ground unless you want them to root there: crack willow branches take root very easily.

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.