Certain
dogwoods (Cornus) and willows (Salix)
make attractive shrubs when coppiced for winter stem interest.
Coppicing involves cutting back all stems to within 5 - 7.5cm (2 -3in) of the ground or to the previous year's stubs in the second and subsequent years after planting. This is best carried out in early spring before bud break. Cornus alba 'Sibirica', C. sericea 'Flaviramea', Salix alba var. vitellina 'Britzensis' and S. irrorata all respond well to this treatment.
Although annual pruning produces many strong, vividly coloured stems, especially in some willows, it is not suitable for all Cornus or Salix species. Both these genera flower on old wood so cutting them back each year will deprive you of flowers (or catkins) and fruits. To get the best of both worlds, try cutting back only one-third of the stems each year, removing the oldest, and thickest ones. Alternatively, hard prune every two or three years. Annual pruning is also not ideal for less-vigorous Cornus sanguinea and variegated C. alba 'Elegantissima', so remove one stem in three annually, or coppice every other year.