It's about 10 years old and has been beautiful every year until this spring. I live in southern Arizona. We did have the coldest winter in the 12 years I've been here with over a month of consecutive nights below freezing. It did warm in the day time to almost normal temps. -- 40-60 degrees. I have babied this tree since I brought it home as a "branch" from a nursery. The fact that it grew at all was amazing. This is very depressing. What can I do?
It may be an insect or mite pest, possibly thrips. It's really hard to see details from the photos, but I think I see leaf stippling/spotting, and then the stunted growth is characteristic of some thrips infestations. I think it will take a keen experienced eye on site with a hand lens to look for tiny black enlongated insects. Nutrient deficiency is another possibility, but I lean toward the pest problem as best guess.
I suggest that you contact your local U of A extension office and see if they will send out a home horticulture advisor, or give you a location to take a sample of the foliage. It should be a free service. The alternative is to hire a consulting arborist, plant health care specialist or a certified arborist from a tree service that provides tree and landscape pest control.
proper care and prune a desert willow into a tree shape with a single trunk.
Desert willows are very low maintenance trees. Here are tips for growing and pruning.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/desert-willow/caring-for-desert-willow-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/desert-willow/pruning-desert-willows.htm
https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/desertwillow2014.html
I have a very tall Desert Willow that is sick. It's over 20 years old so I wonder if it is just dying slow from old age, or could it be Bark Beetles or some other strange malady? The bark loosens and falls off and the limb dies. Is there anything I can do to save this tree? It would be a sad loss for all the hummers and butterflies that come every year for the prolific and long lasting blooms. And of course, I would dearly miss the shade! Thank you. G.
According to a university fact sheet, desert willow lives 40 to 150 years, which is quite a spread. It is susceptible to root rot; has there been an abundance of rain lately, or has the soil around the tree become compacted, decreasing the drainage?
All the references say no known insect problems, but the tree does not tolerate overwatering.
Prune out the branches that are dying. An overall pruning may help. I suggest contacting your local extension agent, who may know of a pest or disease attributable to the trees in your area.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/desert-willow/pruning-desert-willows.htm
http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/CHILINA.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm
These biting bugs come out with the appearance of the flowers. We have no pics at the moment. Thank You.
I couldn't find any notation of biting beetles that prefer desert willow. Any insecticide labeled for bugs or beetles should take care of them if they are bothersome.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm
Hi, I noticed that there is something wrong with my beautiful Desert Willow. I don't know if they get Bark Beetles, but the limbs are dying and the bark is separating from the limbs. The tree is about 20+ years old, so could it be at the end of its life cycle? Or is there something else wrong? I was told that there is no insecticide treatment for Bark Beetles, that I should get the tree as healthy and strong as possible with fertilizer and extra water in order to help it fight off the beetles. I lost a False Mulberry to Bark Beetles and saved the other 3 by watering more and giving them fertilizer. They look good now. I don't want to chop down this tree if I don't have to, I love it and so do "my" hummers every Summer. Thanks for your help.
They aren't usually bothered by pests and disease and they typically live past 40 years. They are susceptible to root rot if irrigation has increased. This can cause dieback of the branches as roots are damaged. Prune out the dead wood and make sure it isn't getting excess water.
I'm thinking to transplant one between an adobe outside wall and a cemented area. Do I need to worry about eventual disruption of the cement? Cement area is used for outdoor classes. Where Willow is now is too crowded. A seed just landed and it's growing exponentially. thank you.
According to the article below, it is safe to plant near walls and paving. However, leave room for a canopy that spreads up to 25 feet and the height can reach 30 feet. They can be pruned each year for a compact shape.
https://cals.arizona.edu/cochise/mg/plant-profile-desert-willow
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/desert-willow/pruning-desert-willows.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/desert-willow/caring-for-desert-willow-trees.htm