Can A Very Large, 10 Year Old, Japanese Willow Bush Be Cut Back And Divided Into Several Bushes?

Question

We have a 20 ft tall, 12 ft wide, multi branched (10+ branches 1 to 2″ thick) and would like to cut it back, dig it up, split it into ou3 or 4 bushes and replant for on our property border. It’s so beautiful I don’t want to kill it and will leave it intact if it shouldn’t be moved. Thanks for any input you can provide.

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Answer 1

I wouldn't advise making several shrubs. You can do this easily with hardwood cuttings. It has an extensive root system and will be difficult to dig up without damaging a lot of roots. Here are tips on pruning:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/japanese-willow-pruning.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow/pruning-a-dappled-willow.htm