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Pruning guide · Broadleaf tree

Bay willow: when and how to prune

Salix pentandra

Bay willow is best pruned in November–March.

Updated on 10 October 2026

Bay willow: when to prune it?

During winter dormancy (November–March).

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

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

Tolerates hard pruning: as a shrub it can be cut back low every few years, and it regrows readily.
As a tree it needs little pruning: remove dead, crossing and overlong branches.

One pruning period a year: November–March.
Can be cut back to just above the ground every few years and will then regrow.
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: The catkins form on last year’s wood: so don’t cut it back every year, or you will see few flowers.

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