Knowledgebase

Willow Tree Diagnosis #940482

Asked July 25, 2026, 11:18 AM EDT

We live in Douglas Township with clay and sandy soil. I propagated a willow tree. When it reached 5 feet we moved to a better location early Spring 2026. Watered faithfully and then nature watered it. With our recent dry spell I forgot about my lovely tree for about 2 week. Yesterday soaked and noticed this burgundy area around the middle of the tree. I am struggling with researching what may have caused it. Will it live? Please let me know how to care for it. Thank you. We are working hard to restore after loosing over 300 ash trees. . Thank you. I am most appreciative. Carol

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Carol,

The discoloration could be a type of canker in an early stage. Unfortunately, willows tend to have quite a few different types. Botryosphaeria, Cytospora, Glomerella miyabeana, and Phomopsis are the most common. 

I cannot tell you for sure it is canker from the photos, if you notice spots or raised black spots starting to form later in the year, that could support my theory. Sometimes these diseases will also affect leaves.

You mentioned the tree was transplanted/moved this spring. Transplanting trees can be a stressful event, and stress has been known to open willows up to these types of diseases. Times of extreme heat did not help this year either.

If the tree is very important to you, you can contact a certified arborist to diagnosis onsite, he or she may also send samples to the Plant Disease Clinic (and you can as well).

Best,

Shane


An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2026, 2:48 PM EDT

Loading ...