The elegant, slender leaves of the willow tree make it a real standout in any landscape. That’s why it’s so frustrating when those beautiful leaves start turning weird colors or drying out. If your willow is looking a little under the weather, don’t panic! Here’s a breakdown of what might be going on and how you can get your tree back on track.
Is your willow in the wrong spot?
There are a few different reasons why willow leaves might start discoloring. While things like tip blight or fungal infections are possibilities, sometimes it’s as simple as “location, location, location.” The good news? Light brown discoloration is often easy to fix. Usually, a little extra TLC is all it takes for the tree to bounce back.
To stay happy, your willow needs:
- Plenty of direct sunlight.
- Consistent moisture for the roots.
- Good drainage (they hate “wet feet” or standing water).
- Plenty of nutrients for healthy growth.
If you realize your garden spot isn’t quite hitting these marks, you don’t necessarily have to transplant the whole tree. Sometimes a quick fix does the trick! If the soil is too soggy, try adding a drainage layer. If the soil is poor, a bit of high-quality fertilizer can work wonders.
Dealing with fungus and pests
If you spot a fungal infection, you’ve got to move fast. The best move is to prune away any infected branches immediately. If you let it slide, the fungus will keep spreading, and eventually, it could kill the tree. Pro tip: Never put infected clippings in your compost pile! The fungus can survive there and spread to the rest of your garden. Instead, burn the clippings or seal them in a trash bag for disposal.
Keep an eye out for pests, too—specifically the willow borer. If these guys move in, you’ll need to do some pruning. The larvae tunnel through the shoots, which can destroy the leaves and eventually threaten the life of the entire tree. Catching them early is key!
