Crack willow does not need a lot of maintenance including pruning, which is part of what makes it such a popular choice. Most often, Crack willow is pruned to remove damaged or dead branches. You may also choose to remove some branches to improve the appearance of the Crack willow or to improve clearance under it. If there are branches that are very crowded together, air flow may be restricted. Any branches that are rubbing together could wear away the bark and allow disease or insects to penetrate the Crack willow, so those branches are also good candidates for pruning.

The first step is deciding where to cut. It is a good idea to identify which branches you want to prune before taking other steps so you know which tools you need and have a plan from the beginning. You may want to mark branches with string or tape so you don’t forget where you had planned to prune each branch.

After you have decided where to cut, prepare the tools. Many Crack willow branches are thin and delicate, so you may be able to use regular pruning shears. If there are larger branches, you should use loppers or a pruning saw. A pole saw may be necessary if the branches are higher up. Your cutting implement should be sterilized with disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution before use and between cuts to avoid introducing pathogens to the wound when pruning. Also be sure to wear protective gear to avoid injuring yourself during this process.

Removing large branches (structural pruning) from your Crack willow is best done during the dormant period in the winter, while late winter or early spring is the best time for minor maintenance pruning. The ideal timing is when the Crack willow has developed buds but the buds have not opened yet. This timing makes it easy for you to find which branches are not productive and should be removed, since those branches won’t have any buds. Pruning at the beginning of the growing season allows the plant to have the whole summer to devote to putting new growth into the remaining branches, flowers, and leaves.

You can also prune it into a shape you like, but don't prune over 1/4 of the healthy branches and leaves of the Crack willow. Over pruning will hinder the normal and healthy growth of this plant. Please make sure that the cuts are clean and tidy.

When Crack willow grows, if there is aging yellowing leaves and diseased leaves, you need to prune the bottom of the yellowing aging leaves and leaves with spots caused by the infection of disease. Pruning can effectively reduce the infection of disease. Even if the number of leaves with infections is relatively large, you should not prune more than 30% of the total number of leaves to avoid affecting the growth of Crack willow.

Remove no more than 30% of the volume of the Crack willow when pruning. Pruning too much at once can leave the Crack willow vulnerable to shock. This plant does not tolerate being cut back severely and may not recover. Don’t prune young Crack willow unless it is to remove a dead or damaged branch.

In between cuts, step back and check the appearance of the Crack willow and be sure that you are satisfied with the progress. If you trim too much at once, there’s no way to restore the cut branches, so be conservative with your approach. One of the charms of Crack willow is its graceful, natural appearance, so you may want to embrace some of the “imperfections” inherent to how it grows.

Removing large branches (structural pruning) from the Crack willow is best done during the dormant period in the winter, while late winter or early spring is the best time for minor maintenance pruning. The ideal timing is when the Crack willow has developed buds but the buds have not opened yet. This timing makes it easy for you to find which branches are not productive and should be removed, since those branches won’t have any buds. Pruning at the beginning of the growing season allows the Crack willow to have the whole summer to devote to putting new growth into the remaining branches, flowers, and leaves.
You can also prune it into a shape you like, but don't prune over 1/4 of the healthy branches and leaves of the Crack willow. Over pruning will hinder the normal and healthy growth of this plant. Please make sure that the cuts are clean and tidy.

When Crack willow grows, if there is aging yellowing leaves and diseased leaves, you need to prune the bottom of the yellowing aging leaves and leaves with spots caused by the infection of disease. Pruning can effectively reduce the infection of disease. Even if the number of leaves with infections is relatively large, you should not prune more than 30% of the total number of leaves to avoid affecting the growth of Crack willow.