My Wisteria Has Grown Too Big And Needs Cutting Back

Question

I have recently moved into a house which has a wisteria growing up the eaves and along the roof line. It has a main stem that divides into a further thick stem (about 8cm across) and some smaller stems (about 2cm across) that intertwine and run along the same route. The larger stem is very heavy and is creating a load on the structure of the building. In turn this is causing the whole plant to fall away from the building. Is it possible for me to cut the larger stem, allow the stems that feed off that to die and then cut it away and remove it? I could then allow the smaller stems to grow in its place. These are easier to train in the right direction because they are more flexible and not so heavy. Will I kill the plant if I cut the larger stem?

Answer 1

This is an acceptable pruning method to restore an old, overgrown plant!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/pruning-wisteria.htm

Answer 2

You can cut out the larger stem and it won't hurt it. You also can cut it all back to 3 feet below where you want it. Here is more help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/pruning-wisteria.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/growing-wisteria-proper-wisteria-vine-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/wisteria-root-system.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/transplanting-wisteria-suckers.htm