Dappled Willow Tree

Question

Hi. I planted my willow 5 years ago. Last Spring, we transplanted it to our back yard. It did well although it didn’t leaf out as well but it still looked healthy. This Spring, It came back beautifully! Then, about 2 weeks ago I noticed some browning leaves on top. I pruned out the dead branch and now it seems to have spread to the top and back of the tree. Also, I used Miracal Grow on it about a month ago. I had the plant food since last year and it looked a bit off but I read that it doesn’t go bad. Did I kill my Willow?

Answer 1

There is a chance that it will survive. Willows will not need fertilization, unless it is showing signs of deficiency. MiracleGro is especially strong. It will definitely burn portions of the willow to a crisp, as is happening here.

You will have to let the rains flush it out of the soil, or if it is granular, remove what you can from the top. If this was liquid, you may be able to run water on the area for a good while. This can help, but it will take time for it to heal.

This collection of articles will give you all of the information you could need about willows: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/willow

Answer 2

Thank you for your response. That’s what I was afraid of. Should I keep pruning the dead branches back as well?