(Question)
i have a 27 year old tree which i planted 27 years ago. it is approx 20 ft. tall. how can i prune it to get flowers lower down? do i need to remove major branches?
(Answer)
Lucky you to have a Salix discolor for 27 years! The pussy willow is considered to be a short-lived tree. To keep the tree productive and shapely, you should prune in late winter through to early spring, best before the catkins begin to appear. Although a severe pruning every 3-5 years is recommended in one of the sites researched, this may be too extreme. Nurture your long living tree by a judicious light pruning next winter. As the willow rebounds, you should see those desired lower flowers.