- 1). Prune all dead growth from your dwarf willow tree at any time of year. Use small, sharp clippers to snip off dead leaves and branches, cutting back to the stem from which they grew. Be careful not to cut into the stem.
- 2). Shape your dwarf willow to suit the area. Because the plant spreads, you might want to keep it contained within a specific area, such as a flowerbed. Clip the ends of all outwardly pointing branches to a uniform length if you want to shape your plant into a round form.
- 3). Prune all branches of the dwarf willow tree that rub against another branch. Cut close to the main branch, but do not injure the main branch by cutting into it.
- 4). Prune off all growth that has signs of insect damage or disease. When you prune a diseased dwarf willow, wipe your clipper blades with a mixture of household bleach and water. Combine one part bleach with nine parts water, and cleanse your clipper blades with a clean rag you have dipped into the solution.
- 5). Pinch off the growing tips of branches to force the dwarf willow to become bushier and fuller. Perform this task in spring, when the plant begins its annual growth spurt. Use your fingernails or small clippers to pinch off the growth.