Willow tips dying - Ask Extension
I have a small patch of pussywillow and basketry willow in my garden. A number of the tips (not all) are wilting and dying. Just the top 3-4 sets of...
Knowledgebase
Willow tips dying #872942
Asked June 13, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT
I have a small patch of pussywillow and basketry willow in my garden. A number of the tips (not all) are wilting and dying. Just the top 3-4 sets of leaves are affected on some stems.
There are also a few red cankerous type lesions on a couple leaves, but for the most part the plants seem healthy.
I don’t see any entry holes for boring pests or other spots on the leaves.
Any ideas what might be happening?
Thank you!
Jenny
Washington County Vermont
Expert Response
Good morning Jenny
Our bug expert looked at the photos and believed the red lesions were eriophyid mites. They are not what is causing the wilting stems.
She believes the stem damage is being caused by the willow borer. Check at the bend and you should find boreholes. You can remove part of the stem to see if the borer has moved on, or if it has moved deeper into the stem. If the latter, you would need to remove the stem and destroy it. Do not put it in your compost as this will not eliminate the borer.
We cannot recommend any sprays for these. You just need some hands-on caring for the trees.
Thank you
