I need to prune a very large pussy willow. It has multiple

[hedgehog]

trunks about 4" to 6" in diameter and is about 20' tall. The bottom 8' is all trunk with all the greenery above. I'd like to bring this back down to about 10' tall which would mean cutting away all the smaller branches. Any advice, comments?

[uppityperson]

1. I like willows because they regrow so much

I went to a park in Normandy where they had several kinds of willows which was very cool.

One group they trimmed to make a single trunk up about 6 ft, then let it branch out. Trimming it kept it really bushy, like a tree a child would draw.

Second group they cut back to the ground every yr, let it grow up lots of little whippy stems.

Third group they had small ones in a circle, then tied a string around then to make it like a tipi of branches, with a nice empty spot in the middle to sit in.

I came home more enthused over willows which, having spent time in SE AK and NW WA, I considered a trash pest damp area bush. I now have 1 I prune each spring for its whippy stems and am making a large "eagles nest" for my garden, and several I have just let go to see what happens.

I think you can do most anything with a willow, unless you are in a really arid place. Cut away the smaller branches. Early spring or winter is usually the best, but willows are hardy, unless you are in an arid place.

[plantwomyn]

2. Be selective.

If you know how to prune have at it. If not read up on techniques. Use sharp clean tools. Take out the crossing branches and dead wood first. Step back often and walk around your willow so you hold your shape all the way around.
If you don't have rain regularly or if it's windy all the time, be prepared to water thoughly every three days or so for a month.
And don't forget your friends. Willow is easy to root and grow. Put some of your cuttings in water and share. Or plant more on your own property.