Hoary willow: when and how to prune

Salix eleagnos

Hoary willow is best pruned in March.

Updated on 10 October 2026

Key facts
Pruning months	March
Nesting season (15 March–15 August)	Take care in March
Flowering	April
Good for bees, butterflies and birds	Yes, for bees
Native to Belgium	No, planted

Hoary willow: when to prune it?

In March, before it leafs out. If you also want to enjoy the catkins, prune only half of the branches and do the rest after flowering.

What else to prune in those months? March

Hoary willow: how to prune it?

Every 2–3 years, cut all branches back to 30–50 cm above the ground or to a pollard head.
Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches completely.
Cut suckers and weak shoots off at the base.
A young shrub does not need pruning yet: let it develop its shape first.

How much to cut, and how often?

One pruning period a year: March.
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.
Hoary willow flowers in April, when it attracts bees.
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.

Caution: If you cut it right back every year, you will get few catkins: they form on last year’s wood. A hard pruning therefore costs a year of flowers, so wait 2–3 years between hard prunings.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Hoary willow · Pruning calendar and basic rules

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