13 Best Techniques: How To Prune Dappled Willow Tree

Everyone loves to plant ornamental plants in their gardens and loves to look at them from time to time and admire their beauty. But everyone does not have that much time to look after the plant and generally looks for something which requires more care.

One such plant is dappled willow (hakuro nishiki willow). But How To Prune Dappled Willow? The plant has grey-green leaves along with the shade of white and pink. They tend to change colors every season. Start pruning by discarding tough, old, broken branches, for better plant growth. If the willow plants are too wide and dense, then trim out inside branches with yellow, diseased stems for making them breathe.

Since these plants grow very fast, one needs to make sure that its pruning is done quickly. While cropping also makes sure that the plant looks gorgeous and exciting all year round.

Let’s find all the dos and do not’s on How To Prune Dappled Willow along with the below questions.

  • How to prune dappled willow into a tree
  • Propagating dappled willow
  • Common problems with dappled willow
  • how to plant a dappled willow
  • Overgrown dappled willow care
  • Best dappled willow tree care

When Should I Prune Dappled Willow bushes?

The most convenient time to prune dappled willow is in early spring or winter, before the initiation of new growth. It will help in providing new textures and colors to your plant and make it look more beautiful.

But if you want to shape your plant, you should wait till summer so that the plant grows to its full capacity and it will make it easier for you to shape them.

Also read different pruning techniques for the below plants.

How To Prune Dappled Willow into Tree?

The secret to effective dappled willow pruning is to correctly time it. Pruning in the wrong season may lead to the plant not looking very good.

How To Prune Dappled Willow Tree
How To Prune Dappled Willow Tree

The dappled willow tree pruning must begin in winter. The initial process is to remove all the broken, dead, and infected branches not to affect new leaves’ growth.

Once you are done removing dappled willow dead branches, let the plant grow to its full size till summer. By using the correct tools, you can give whatever shape you wish to your plant. It can be done every 4-6 weeks.

The pruning of a dappled willow tree is generally done in three steps:

  • Correctly timing the pruning: You can begin the pruning in winter, around early November. The plants generally do not grow during that time. But if you wish to delay the process, you can wait until early spring, which would be in early May. Once done with pruning, you can begin trimming in late summer around September to give a good shape.
  • Rejuvenating or maintaining growth: Thinning out the branches will keep the plant looking natural. The branches that are away from the ground should always be cut in 1-2 years. Make sure to cut off any dead or diseased branches to avoid the plant from getting sick.
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Also, cut the shoots growing at the bottom of the tree every year 1-2 times or whenever it grows. In case your plant is unhealthy to an extent where it cannot be saved, then cut it. Use the branches to grow new plants.

  • Giving shape to the plant: In order to give shape to the plant, always begin at the top and work your way towards the end. If you want the tree’s bottom to look bare, then remove all the branches growing near the bottom.

Cut a few holes in the plant’s top to make sure that the lights and air circulate properly through the plant. Always remember to keep the dappled willow hedge at the bottom wide in order for the lights to reach the whole plant.

How To Prune Japanese Dappled Willow Shrub?

In order to maintain the health and shape of your Japanese willow tree, it is advisable to prune it in winter.

  • While pruning the Japanese willow, make sure to remove one-third of the shrub so that light and air can pass through it. Also, make sure that all the dead, broken, or infected branches are removed to ensure healthy growth.
  • If there is any old or new branch extended to the ground level, make sure to remove them as well.
  • Trim the branches and leaves of the Japanese willow to the height you prefer the most. Generally, people prefer to keep it up to 12 inches.
  • Finally, tidy up the shrub by cutting the branches and stem in such a way that their lengths are even.

How to Prune a Dappled Willow Bush?

Just like any other type of willow, the tricolor dappled willow bush can be pruned starting in winters.

One should make sure that all the broken, dead, or infected stems and branches are removed in winters to allow perfect bush growth.

Can I trim my dappled willow in the summer?

Yes, of course, and when the summer arrives, the trimming of the plants should be done to give them a proper shape.

Best Ways Tor Propagating Dappled Willow

Some experts suggest propagating dappled willow from hardwood cuttings, but it can be done using softwood cuttings as well.

How To Prune Dappled Willow Tree
Pruning Dappled Willow Tree + Propagating Tips

If you want a new plant, cutting 8 inches stem without leaves is perfect. You can plant it in moist soil and water it regularly. It will soon grow roots and be ready to re-planted and become a gorgeous plant.

Make sure to plant it in a clay pot initially. Once it grows roots, it can be planted somewhere else as well.

What Are The Problems With Dappled Willow and what fixes?

Like any other plant, the tri-colored dappled willow bush can also be affected by various diseases and insects. To take care of the problem, you need to know what the problem exactly is.

Below mentioned are certain problems or signs you might see on the plant and how to deal with them:

1 Blight

Also known as gray mold, it affects the delicate parts when it is very humid. The best way to identify it is to look at the flowers or buds and notice the browning pattern.

If it starts getting brown from the inner petal, then the problem is gray mold.

To deal with this problem, remove the affected part and ensure that the area around the plant is completely clean.

2 Powdery Mildew

It is another problem associated with humidity. It looks like a white or a gray powder coat on the leaves.

One of the best ways to take care of powdery mildew is the prevention and cropping of dead plant parts.

But if your plant still gets affected, you can spray dilute hydrogen peroxide once a week.

3 Spots

These are caused by fungus and are brown. It looks like a bull’s eye. To avoid spots, make sure that the dappled willow spacing between plants is enough.

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Apart from this, there are various sorts of fungicides available in the market that can help cure the problem.

4 Plant Rust

This usually appears as spots that are yellow or brownish-yellow in color. The best way to prevent it is by making sure there is enough space and circulation between your plants.

If your plants still end up with rust, neem oil is the best fungicide that you can use.

5 Aphids

Aphids are insects that usually leave the plant with yellow leaves, stop their growth, and leave a black substance behind.

The best way to get rid of them is to introduce their natural enemies into the plant’s environment.

6 Lace Bug

They are tiny insects that look like laces. Even though these creatures look beautiful, they can cause harm to your beloved plant.

One way to control them is to ensure that the soil around the plant is evenly moist, as these insects love the hot and dry environment.

Alternatively, you can also use insecticide soaps or neem oil to destroy the insects.

7 Bark Beetles

  • It is typically hard to identify their infestation, but you should always keep a close eye if you see any holes in the tree’s bark. It can be bark beetles.
  • The best method is to cut the part having an infection or burn the infected part.
  • Ensure you prune your plant properly every year and give them enough food and water to keep them healthy.
  • Do not use insecticides as they are completely useless against bark beetles.

8 Tent Caterpillars

These insects are not a big problem for the plant. The most convenient method to get rid of these insects is to cut the plant and destroy it.

It should most likely be done in the morning or evening. There are specific insecticides available in the market to kill them.

9 Tree Borers

These insects leave their eggs inside the tree, which weakens the tree as the eggs are grown into insects. They start eating up the insides and make it very difficult to save.

You need to keep a careful eye if you see holes in the trunk of the tree. The tree that is not too infected can be saved with the help of a certain chemical.

Apart from these, you should always make sure that the plant’s soil has been evenly moist. Do not overwater or underwater the plant.

Also, read the below tips to control common gardening bugs.

How To Handle Overgrown Dappled Willow?

Nishiki willow bushes or dappled willow do not generally overgrow if the pruning is done properly and on time. But if the plant somehow still overgrows, then the only way to handle it is to prune it to the size you want.

  • Always have a clear idea about the shape and size that you want for your Nishiki willow tree. It will make the management of the plant very trouble-free.
  • Begin with removing the dead, broken, and infected parts of the plant so that the inner parts of the plant can also get enough air and sunlight.
  • Post that, trim the plant to the appropriate height and shape as per your wish.

To maintain that shape and size, prune your plant once every one or two years.

Dappled Willow In Winter Care

A fully grown dappled willow does not require much care in winter, but it is always nice to cover its trunk. The new plant, however, needs extra protection around its roots and should be covered with leaves.

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Apart from that, keep watering your plant regularly in order to keep the soil moist so that the plant can grow properly and in a healthier way. But do not overwater the plant.

How Big Does A Dappled Willow Bush Get?

The maximum dappled willow tree height and width reach up to 8-10 feet. They grow at least 2-3 feet every year. Therefore, it is always wise to plant them at a good distance.

how to trim dappled willow Tree?

Trimming a dappled willow tree is good for the health of the plant as it promotes healthier growth.

It also helps in removing any diseases that the plant might have infested. But how to trim a willow tree can be a question here.

Follow the steps aforesaid to make sure that your plant is cropped/ trimmed properly:

  • Remove the dead and infected parts of the plant and destroy them so that they do not attack other plants in your garden. Make sure to remove each infected part properly; otherwise, it will re-infect the plant and make the condition worsen.
  • Disinfect your tools to remove any fungus or bacteria from your tool so that it does not affect the good parts of the tree.
  • Cut out the broken or damaged branches so that new and healthier branches can grow from the broken ones’ tip.
  • Using particular tools, trim the plant in the desired size and shape as per your wish. It will help you give the willow tree the appropriate shape as per your choice and make it look pleasing and graceful.

Common Frequent Asked Questions on How To Prune Dappled Willow

  1. Q: How big does a dappled willow bush get?

    Dappled willows tree grows very fast (10 feet per year). Its width wises its 8-10 feet wide which can transform a bushy tree into a rounded shape.

  2. Q: Is dappled willow poisonous to dogs?

    If we talk about dappled willow tree wood, that really not toxic to cats and dogs. But its limbs can be poisonous, especially to cats. So there is little awareness required.

  3. Q: How long does a willow tree live?

    The dappled willows tree is the fastest growing. It can live up to 30 years if all the growing conditions are fair.

  4. Q: How tall does tricolor dappled willow shrub get?

    They can grow taller up to between 8 and 10 feet tall if cared for in a fair condition.

  5. Q: How fast do Flamingo dappled willows grow?

    They are a very fast-growing plant, that grows 2-3 feet every year and they grow tall up to 8-10 feet in a lifetime.

  6. Q: how to care for dappled willow bonsai in winters?

    In winters Dappled Willow Bonsai, need great care and a cozy environment like a garage, or greenhouse.

  7. Q: When to prune the dappled willow tree?

    The best time and the season for pruning dapple willow trees are early winter or late spring. In between this time it’s hard to prune them.

You may also like to read gardening blogs.

Take Away On Pruning Dappled Willow Tree

Dapple willow trees look beautiful and make your garden look beautiful and you and your family feel more pleased and merry.

High-dappled willow tree care is not required for these plants. But Pruning Dappled Willow Tree is highly suggested.

Just enough sunlight and moist soil along with pruning done on time and in a proper manner are required to get a healthy and beautiful garden.