Pruning Dappled Willow in Four Easy Steps (Salix Hakuro Nishiki)

[@cindycheyne7049]

One of the best and most thorough pruning videos for Dappled Willow. Thank you!

[@GardenSanity]

You’re very welcome Cindy! 😊 And thank you for your feedback - I really appreciate it and I’m so glad the video is helpful! 🌿🌞

[@carresteigerwald3278]

I have a dappled willow that has gone crazy. I've had it in its spot for 10 years. Actually, I have 2. But the one stays real small for some reason. I barely have to trim it once a year. The other one? Oh my goodness, i have to trim it at least 3 to 4 times a year. I put it too close to the driveway, which at the time, I had never had one, so I didn't dream it would become a monster. It doesn't matter when i trim it, it just grows and grows like crazy. This year, i finally decided to cut it back. Not to the ground but very heavily. Its just past the growing season (end of May) , and as i write this, I'm heavily pruning the bush to half its height. It has reached about 10 to 12 feet at least, so im cutting it to my shoulder length. I had to do something. Its hard to see out the driveway, it gets in everyone's way, so its time. I feel a strange satisfaction cutting it, and i can see i needed to do this, as its too crowded in the middle and definitely could use some air flow.

[@GardenSanity]

Well Carre, it sounds like you're solving the problem by cutting it back. 👍 And I understand the strange satisfaction of cutting it so far back, as it is the same way I felt when we coppiced our own overgrown Dappled Willow down to the ground (another video here on my channel). That's interesting that your other Dappled Willow remains smaller. It's not unheard of that two plants planted in the same landscape would grow differently depending on soil, water and sun - even if we think they are getting the same exact treatment. I'm happy you found a solution! 💛

[@TracysHomeGarden]

Love them willow plants Laura. I still recall how big they were last year. They are definitely quicker growers! Looking forward to their beautiful new foliage. 💚💚💚

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Tracy! I hope your Winter is finally leaving you for warmer Spring weather! Yes, these Dappled Willow are fast growers, and this time I need to keep on top of them so we don't ever repeat the crazy-ness again! 😂 💚

[@michelerichards233]

Thank you so much! I just planted 6 as a privacy fence and it's been a crazy spring thus far 80 one day and in the 40 and 30s the next. You've given me hope and something to look forward to. Brava, my lady and thank you again!

[@GardenSanity]

Whoo-hoo Michele -- I'm go happy you've planted them as a privacy fence! You will adore them! And yes, this Spring has been wacky temperature-wise. We also (here in southern NJ) has a lot of rain, while now we seem to be in a drought. Make sure you don't let them dry out. You'll notice the ends of the leaves getting a bit brown, that means they need water. Especially the first few seasons, you don't want them to dry out while the roots get established -- these shrubs love water! Please keep me posted on how your Dappled Willow are doing this year!

[@sammysworld5485]

Wow your willow grew super fast. Mine has been planted just last year & pretty much kept its size. I don’t think I need to prune mine. Thank s for this tutorial.

[@GardenSanity]

That's great that you don't need to prune yours yet, Sammy! 🙂 One less Spring garden chore to do this year!

[@kevincafaro8846]

thanks. I have 6 dapper willows. love'em. now i won't be so afraid to prune mine.

[@GardenSanity]

Glad to hear it Kevin! Once you prune them the first time, and see how nicely they come back, you'll feel super confident!

[@zenrockgardens]

Very helpful video. I bought my first Dappled Willow bush today and haven't planted it yet. Timing is everything. lol

[@GardenSanity]

Glad it was helpful Pam! I have an entire video playlist on this channel all about my ongoing experience -- good and bad -- with Dappled Willow, so I hope those videos help you too! (And yes, I love the good timing!) 😃

[@lindacahan1]

Thanks for this - very helpful! I bought my home 3.4 years ago and there was a twiggy looking few branches in my side yard. It looked like a strong weed but it had lovely leaves. So, I watered it. It grew - and grew- and grew. It's now heading to 5' tall and equally wide. I wasn't sure when to trim it this year as we went from winter to 80º in a week. So, I guess I shouldn't trim these until the pink goes away. I'm in Portland, OR.

[@KarenShirey]

I know people that cut their dapple willow back to about 12" every spring. It seems to keep them happy, healthy and in check. I just bought 3 and hope to have as good luck with mine. I am in SE Tennessee zone 7

[@tracymiller1054]

Excited to have found this and your series of videos on dappled willow. I have one - its probably 8 feet high and wide. I love it, but I have never pruned it. It as great to learn how to prune - and that I can't really mess it up!

[@GardenSanity]

Wow Tracy -- I bet your Dappled Willow is gorgeous! 😀 No, you can't mess it up, as Dappled Willow can handle pruning wonderfully well!

[@visalus7]

You do excellent work on creating videos. I especially enjoyed how to prune Dappler Willows. Thank you for all your help. Best videos on the internet on pruning Dappler Willows.

[@obanjolin]

Thank you. I will plant my shrubs next week and learned plenty from your tape. Thank you again😀

[@Lindsay8585]

This was so helpful. If it was me, I’d just remove the half dead shrub and it would give more space between the plants.

[@GardenSanity]

Glad it was helpful Lindsay! 🙂 I agree with you: I think just leaving that stump to die off will correct my rookie mistake spacing issue. 👍

[@minisinthehallshorts]

thank you again for your detailed videos. I just ordered mine, 9 inch bare root, ten of them. I can't wait to see how quickly they fill in. I notice yours don't seem to need much watering. I plan to plant mine against a fence too.

[@GardenSanity]

Wow -- you're going to have a wonderful living wall Michael! Our yard is very wet because we have heavy clay soil. So we don't have to water our Dappled Willow hardly at all because it gets so much moisture from the wet soil. Dappled Willow love water, so planting them where it is wet is a great solution. If your fence area isn't that wet, make sure to give them lots of water while they're getting established...but at the same time don't drown them. It's a fine line! 🙂 Please keep me posted on how the bare roots develop!

[@elisabethbelokas6739]

Very in depth video, I needed help with my dappled willow shrubs and this was so helpful, thank you!

[@willaerley7140]

It’s a lot like pruning forsythia. Take out most of the oldest thickest stems and trim the edges a bit for size control. I finally found some hellebores locally yesterday. We’ve had the same crazy weather, but it takes me a week to figure out exactly where to place them, anyway. 😄

[@GardenSanity]

Good point re: forsythia Will! (I’m thinking of getting a dwarf forsythia…) Hooray for your hellebores! So which kind did you get - what’s the name? 😃

[@willaerley7140]

@@GardenSanity I got a Ice n Roses white and a Pink Frost. The first place I went to, the lady had no idea what a hellebore was and I had to google it to show her. The next place had a nice selection, though.

[@GardenSanity]

Both of those are pretty varieties! I bought two Shooting Stars, but I still want a Pink Frost. That’s something she didn’t know what a hellebore is…and this was a garden nursery?

[@willaerley7140]

@@GardenSanity Yeah. Surprising. Maybe, she’s new.

[@GardenSanity]

Well, Hellebores are still not super common, although I think in another year or so they will be. 🙂

[@paulastpeter8393]

Thank you! Just purchased a Dappled Willow Tree this year.

[@ericbruneau1970]

Thank you. I would’ve added a few pics. Nevertheless, I cut all my willow 3 inches above ground. I’ll keep you posted.

[@GardenSanity]

Glad to hear it, Eric! I hope your next update is that they are growing back nicely! 🌱

[@d.wilbur5164]

Laura, I really enjoy your videos!

[@GardenSanity]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! 😊

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

Thank you thank you!!!! Talk about crazy weather……. Wisconsin is getting snow tonight yet again lol. The deer loved my willow so it got chewed up quite a bit 😞 hopefully it will grow back. 🌷🌷 love your videos as always.

[@GardenSanity]

More snow for you? ❄️ Oh Chris, have you had any warm days yet? ☀️ I think your willow will grow back…darn deer. ❤️

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

Oh Laura I’m so done lol. We had some days in the low 40’s like 42 and 21 at night and, although here in Wisconsin people already wear t shirts when the weather is in the 40s……. I’m a New Yorker transplanted here so T-shirt weather is high 50s for me 😂. If the willow grows that much in just a few weeks I’ll just pretend I coppiced it and I’ll let you know :)

[@GardenSanity]

🤣😂 “Why yes, I coppiced this willow. That’s why it looks like this.” Sounds reasonable to me! 😃 I have a similar situation only opposite from yours. I lived in Boston where it also gets cold like Wisconsin. Here in southern NJ although chilly, it’s nothing like New England weather. I’ll be in a t-shirt gardening and someone else is walking their dog in a Winter coat! 🙃🙂

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

😂😂😂

[@chrismarchetti-olson6632]

AHA!!!!! That’s why you don’t have a Jersey accent Laura!!!😂😂 but you do have a very beautiful and soothing voice…….. you should sell that voice!!! But don’t leave us no matter what!! 😁

[@truthofthematter9409]

Wow look how much they've grown since you cut them to the ground! They're so pretty though. I'm very tempted to get me some!

[@GardenSanity]

😊 They grow like weeds! 🌱 If you get any, make sure they have lots of room! Lots! Learn from my mistakes. 🤣

[@truthofthematter9409]

@@GardenSanity Was thinking of using them in between my home and the neighbors??? What do you think?

[@GardenSanity]

As long as there’s enough space, Dappled Willow makes a great living wall or privacy hedge. 👍

[@truthofthematter9409]

@@GardenSanity Hmmm... need to research a bit. I probably have 2 feet between my drive and the property line. Further down by my garage there's more like 4 feet though

[@truthofthematter9409]

@@GardenSanity I do need privacy from the neighbors though! lol I will leave the stories to your imagination but they're not the best!

[@user-de5ly1hl3u]

excellent, just the information i needed, thanks

[@deutschemama911]

I have a dappled willow shrub that I planted in a wet corner in my yard. I love this shrub so much and want to plant some more in areas that have regular soil..not necessarily wet. I was wondering if the area where yours are planted is wet or regular soil and if you water them a lot? Thank you so much for all your thorough videos!!!!!

[@GardenSanity]

You’re welcome Deutsche Mama! 😊 The area I planted them in is indeed wet, so I rarely have to water them. Usually I need to water them if we have a long heat wave without any rain, and that happens about once each Summer. 🌞 You can plant them in regular soil, just know that they will need water especially as they are getting established. You’ll be able to tell if they need more water than you’re giving them by the leaf edges getting brown. Adding a good layer of mulch around them will help keep the soil from drying out as fast.

[@kerryblakemore3311]

Brilliant

[@user-to3sr6uz7s]

First winter of my 2 foot dappled willows in zone 4 (Very cold) - We already have lows of 20 degrees. How to care for them before the winter. Mulch, fertilizer , cover? No green thumb here. Also, I have bought every spray and the deer are still eating them, suggestions? Appreciate any help. Desperate

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Suzanne -- Dappled Willow are hardy in your zone, so they should survive the Winter. (I never can say "will" because we never know what crazy things happen with Mother Nature during the Winter, unfortunately.) 🙂 However, there's nothing you need to do because Dappled Willow goes dormant in the Winter -- meaning it basically takes a break and goes to sleep. Mulch IS a great thing to put down around the shrubs IF they don't already have mulch around them. Adding 3 to 4 inches for the Winter season around the shrub is a smart idea to help keep moisture in the soil and keep the ground a bit more insulated (warmer). And believe it or not, having snow cover is a good thing, as snow is a great insulator of the soil. No fertilizer is needed -- wait until Spring to do that because you don't want to "wake up" the shrub prematurely. And no need to cover the shrubs either because you want to enjoy the stems: they will have a pretty red cast to the newer stems for the Winter season! 🦌As for the deer, yes sometimes they eat Dappled Willow. The good news is that because Dappled Willow is such a fast grower, they will bounce back. However, using deer sprays is your best bet -- usually these need to be reapplied after it rains. Have you tried Plantskydd? That is a spray recommended by breeders and growers that works. (I don't have a deer problem, but if I did I'd try that if all else fails. 🦌Also, if you're not concerned about enjoying the reddish stems, you could cover the Dappled Willow with burlap fabric, similar to what is used to cover some evergreens in colder climates. I think this might discourage the deer if they can't easily get to the shrub. 🦌Another idea is that since they are only 2 feet high -- you could try using a chicken wire covering over them -- or around them -- to keep deer from nibbling. I use chicken wire cloches over some of my plants to keep rabbits away from them during the Winter. I bought mine at Gardeners Supply Co (gardeners.com) but similar ones are also sold on Amazon in varying sizes and widths. I hope these ideas help you -- please don't worry! You got this! 💓 Keep me posted! 👍 I have a video on chicken wire cloches so you can see what I'm talking about here -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKLdq6FnrtZghLssi=kX-4BSgXfKkDXfu9

[@deutschemama911]

Thank you so much for the dappled willow series. Do you water yours a lot? I have one planted in an area that tends to be more wet than the rest of my backyard.

[@GardenSanity]

You’re welcome Deutsche Mama! 🙂 Mine are purposely planted in a wetter area of our yard as well, like yours is. We rarely ever need to water them, unless there’s a long dry spell in the Summer. It’s great they stay watered naturally, isn’t it? No effort on our part! 😃👍

[@macoeur1122]

I just bought three of these...and upon closer inspection it appears there are two plants in each pot...right up next to each other, as if someone put two cuttings together in case one didn't survive (the way we do with seeds). I really want these to thrive, and I'm wondering if I should remove one completely....if that's even possible. I mean I know cutting to the base encourages lots of new growth. Maybe if I cut it below the soil level? Any advice??? The "trunks" range in size from 1/4" to 1/2"...Not exactly "immature"....

[@lindadavis4352]

Hello Laura, What is the shrub/tree to the left of your dappled willows? I just this week purchased my first dappled willow. Thank you for your videos!

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Linda, thanks for asking! That tree is a Magnolia Jane tree. You can see it in bloom in my "May Flowers Garden Tour" video -- complete with some frost-damaged flowers too. It's a wonderful tree -- I just wish we hadn't planted it and the Dappled Willow so close together...but it was a rookie gardening mistake! 🙃 🙂 Congratulations on your first Dappled Willow! I hope you enjoy it for years and years to come! 🌿 Keep me posted on how it's doing!

[@townshipbs2335]

HI, i have an idea ,can i grow a climbing rose next to it. and save the big fat branches of the dappled willow,thin out and train the climbing rose on it?

[@minisinthehallshorts]

Hi Laura, this is going to be a slightly long message. I apologize in advance. I just don't know anyone else who can help and has had experience with dappled willows as much as you have. I finally planted 7 dappled willow shrubs. (purchased from the local garden store - zero return policy) They looked beautiful for about 2 weeks. But 2 days ago, I started noticing that the top of the leaves seem to be wilting. This was the new growth on the tip of the branches. The bottom leaves of the branches do not seem affected - yet. We have had a lot of rain (illinois-zone 5b) and I water them almost every day, so I am sure they are not drying out. Also, some of the shrubs seem worse that the others. I googled common problems with dappled willows and most seem to have a fungal problem. Do you think that could be the case? I know it's hard to figure out without a photo, but any advise you have will be really helpful. I called the garden center where I purchased them, but the plant expert hasn't called me back yet. I spent about $400 so I am desperately hoping that I can save my willows. Thank you

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Michael, First off, I can’t believe there are still garden centers with no return or refund policies. 🤨 In this instance, can you send me some good photos at [e-mail] ? This sounds like a tough one, but hopefully we will figure this out. Wilting is indeed usually a sign of needing more water. A question about pricing too: they charged you $57 per shrub? How big is each one? And I hope they are big, for that price. Hang in there! 👍

[@minisinthehallshorts]

@@GardenSanity Hi Laura, thank you for your quick response. I just sent you a detailed email with photos. Thank you so much.

[@GardenSanity]

@@minisinthehallshorts Awesome -- I'll go look it over!

[@pastrycraftseattle8163]

I'd like to plant dappled willow as a short hedge (max 3 feet) around a front garden - about 24 feet with some corners. Is this a good idea? If not, what would you recommend? I'm in the Seattle area. It sounds like I don't need to purchase several plants because I can propagate from a few original plants.

[@GardenSanity]

Hmmm.... Dappled Willow won't work for a short hedge, because they grow much taller than that. Even with pruning, you will be constantly battling the shrubs to keep them within bounds. Dappled Willow is much better suited for taller and wider areas in full sun, perhaps with plants well in front of them, which won't get covered up by the long stems and branches over time. You're in a different growing (hardiness) zone than I am, so some plants that can grow for you cannot grow for me, so you no doubt have options that I can only dream about! 😊 Your best bet - and what I would do if I were you - is to find a fantastic garden nursery (not a big-box store). Usually they have trained staff that really know their plants and can best advise you on what will work to help you see your garden idea to fruition. You can share with them the plants you have in mind and what you're trying to achieve, and I know they will give you at least a few options that will work for you! ❤️

[@user-dz3gk8mj4d]

hi Laura I planted a dapple willow about 2 months ago I need to move it as it’s in the wrong place when is the best time to move I’m in the Uk thanks

[@minisinthehallshorts]

Hi Laura, one more thing, as of today, I noticed the leaves have started yellowing..... any advice? thanks so much.

[@GardenSanity]

Could be too much water… When Dappled Willow need more water, the tips begin to wilt (like you saw on yours) but if still no water, those tips would begin to brown.

[@9372463]

I just planted 3 flamingo dappled willows 2 days ago ($72 a pot}. 2 of them are fine but 1 is sort of shriveling up today! What is wrong? I've gone to your page with all your info but there is nothing there about this problem or anything about planting.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Sharon, I'll try my best to help you! 🙂 How big are your shrubs? Paying that much for a shrub must mean -- I hope -- that they are big? If so, the larger the shrub, the more it needs a chance to settle into its new garden spot. If the tips are shriveling, it means that the shrubs need more water. And with new Dappled Willows -- especially larger shrubs -- they will need a lot of water to get those roots established. What it sounds like is possible transplant shock. Let me know where on the shrub there is shriveling. Just the tips? Or all the way down the stems? Let me know!

[@9372463]

@@GardenSanity They were in 5 gal pots (I think). The pink tips wilted and now they are dry. The stems look fine and I hope they stay that way. I've watered like crazy. But, it was really hot here today, around 90. Supposed to be 87 tomorrow. I'm so worried. I emailed you about it too. I'll send you pics tomorrow if you don't mind. Thank you so much for replying, couldn't find any information online other than you! I just don't want them to die!!!

[@VincentLieu-sm8ww]

I have the same issue. Did you figure out what was the problem and how to fix it. ? Thank you

[@cyntheamealer3020]

Hi! I was wondering do rabbits ever nibble on these? I planted 4 babies recently, and three are thriving, but one looks just like a rabbit or something was chewing on it.

[@GardenSanity]

Yes Cynthea, I hate to tell you...rabbits do love nibbling at the lower leaves/branches. (And deer do too.) 😑 I'm glad your new shrubs are thriving, so to keep them that way just use some rabbit repellents. There are sprays and granules, and I use a combination of both. I share what some of the best options are in my "rabbit repellents" video on this channel, so I hope that can help you protect your shrubs. 🙂

[@cyntheamealer3020]

I found the culprit! Mine were planted next to the creek bank, and it was a box turtle! My daughter came over with some chicken wire and we installed it around them, securing the bottom edge. That way maybe they'll be able to grow big enough that a few nibbles won't hurt them

[@GardenSanity]

Oh Cynthea, I think that’s kind of adorable! 💚🐢😀 First time I’ve heard about turtles eating Dappled Willow. 🌱🙂 Also, having Dappled Willow next to a creek bank sounds perfect. I bet they are so pretty there. I have a video on here from last June where I show a box turtle who found his way into our gardens! I was so excited to see him, even though I think he arrived due to flooding in a nearby area. Yes, once the Dappled Willow grows larger, the box turtle can nibble without taking away much of the plants. 👍🐢

[@robiningraham8531]

Hello. I have a dappled willow on the south edge of my patio. Where I live we get a lot of NW winds and my willow shrub (2 years old) leans due to the winds. There is a marked difference in the branching from one side to the other I think due to the winds. Is there anything I can/should do to minimize this? Is pruning going help?

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Robin, I wish we could do something about the wind and leaning shrubs! 🙂 I had a similar thing happen where my own Dappled Willow - when we originally just let them go crazy years ago - began growing horizontally. We never noticed it until we began cutting it back, as it was more the inside large trunks. One thing that might help you is after pruning this year, perhaps add a strong support to the Dappled Willow to help it maintain it’s “standing versus leaning” shape better. Maybe something decorative too. For example, I use a wrought iron shepherd’s hook - that is normally used for hanging planters - to help keep one of my Rose of Sharon’s upright in the wind. And then I just hung a little solar lantern on the hook. If it was me, that’s what I would try first. You could use the type of velcro plant tape people use to help tie up their tomatoes to tomato cages. This tape is nice in that it doesn’t cut into the stems at all. Does this help? Let me know! 🙂

[@Prissy-Pants]

hi! Can you use the electric sheer trimmers (whatever they're called)?

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Prissy -- you can, and sometimes that is a quicker way to trim them "back" if they are jutting out too far. But using electric trimmers will give Dappled Willow more of a hedge look rather than its natural look, which is to have arching branches that arch up and out, and somewhat weep down to the ground. I hope this helps! 😀

[@Prissy-Pants]

@@GardenSanity Thank you! I woke up one day and decided I’m going to learn how to garden. It has been a task but I’m learning a lot. Thank you for your expertise and your videos, I’m really enjoying those. You may end up becoming my KZbin best friend LOL!

[@GardenSanity]

@@Prissy-Pants I love that you woke up one day and said I'm going to garden, Prissy! That's so awesome! And you're right -- and smart to realize -- that it IS a task. But I hope I can help make it easier. Yes, there's a lot to learn, and my goal is to keep our sanity while gardening. (And I say that after three days of mulching in way-too-hot weather all weekend, which was not always enjoyable, when I should have done it sooner. 😂 ) Feel free to ask questions on any of the videos -- I'm here to help! 🌺 😊 And if you want a video that talks about a good way to plant a new garden bed, in terms of which plants should go in first, watch my "Summer Garden Tour of a New Garden Bed" video from last Summer. 🌿 🌸

[@Prissy-Pants]

@@GardenSanity awesome! Yes, we had some heat here in Indiana and it was a little rough to do some things. I will check out that video!! Thank you again.

[@GardenSanity]

@@Prissy-Pants You're welcome Prissy! By the way, I "began" trimming some of my Dappled Willow shrubs yesterday, but stopped when I got too hot. That's always an option too: break up the task into a few days, even if your shrubs look a bit funny being half-finished. So if pruning by hand will take quite awhile, that's always an option! That's how mine currently look! 🤣 👍

[@pnw6324]

I pruned mine too short and killed tgem. Fml

[@GardenSanity]

Are you sure? Sometimes they will turn brown from the stress of pruning, so be patient and you may see new shoots sprout up from where you cut them back. 🌱 In the meantime, make sure they get enough water.

[@carniavore]

Can I use hedge trimmers on dappled Willow

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Denise, you can find that info at minute 5:08 in the video above, where I discuss hedge trimmers. I hope this helps you! 🙂🌿

[@user-dz3gk8mj4d]

hi Laura I planted a dapple willow about 2 months ago I need to move it as it’s in the wrong place when is the best time to move I’m in the Uk thanks