The graceful, weeping silhouette of a Kilmarnock willow can be a beautiful addition to any garden.
Are you coming across willow problems and wanting to get your dream willow back?
Within this guide, I will unveil the hidden problems Kilmarnock willows can face. From snapping branches to a stubborn lack of flowers.
By understanding each issue, you can take the right steps to keep your willow thriving. Ensuring it becomes a stunning feature of your landscape.
Quick Summary – Kilmarnock Willow Problems
- Brittle branches
- Lack of Flowers
- Dying Leaves
- Root Issues
- Pests and Diseases
Common Kilmarnock Willow Problems
When owning a willow tree you will encounter some problems that you may be a little concerned about or typically you just want answers to. The problems you may face could be:
- Dying leaves
- Brittle branches
- Lack of flowers
- Root problems
- Watering requirements
- Diseases
- Pests
- Nutrition
Below we dig in deep to the underlying problems of a willow tree. Giving you a good understanding of what to look out for and how to solve any issues you come across.
How Do You Care for a Kilmarnock Willow?
Caring for your Kilmarnock is quite easy, You need to give your Kilmarnock enough hydration, the correct sun exposure of at least 4 hours a day, with partial shade, well-drained soil, and an occasional light prune to remove any old or dead wood.
The willow tree loves water so over watering doesn’t cause any negative impact. Just make sure you do have well-drained soil to help when it comes to fertilising as too much fertiliser can harm its flowers.
Pruning is simple too; this would only be done in cases of dead or old branches and to encourage new shoots to appear.
General Kilmarnock Willow Problems
Kilmarnock Problems can include lack of flowering, leaves dying, and brittle branches. You can also experience root problems and health concerns like diseases.
Knowing what is the cause will point you in the right direction to give your willow the correct maintenance to help it thrive in your gardens.
By understanding the willow problems and implementing these methods you can keep your willow tree healthy with a strong structure for years.
Your willow tree can experience brittle branches. This is a cause for concern when they start to snap, giving your Kilmarnock an unhealthy look within your gardens.
There are ways you can prevent the brittle branches like pruning before the break to help them grow stronger.
Sometimes brittle branches can’t be helped with how fast-growing the willow tree is.
The willow tree is best known for its rapid growth rate. Although this can be an advantage you you get your dream willow in record-breaking time it can also hurt your tree.
The negative impact will affect the branches making them brittle. Causing them to snap and their strength to decline. What happens with the branches is that their being fast growing which creates softwood, and the softwood is more susceptible to breaking. In comparison to a slower-growing tree that has denser wood.
Typically there isn’t anything you can do for the fast growth rate of your willow tree; this is just how it grows. What you can do to help your willow tree is when the branches become weak and ready to snap. You can grab your pruning shears and give them a little haircut to stop the branches from snapping.
Doing this will be beneficial in the long term as when the branches snap on their own it can cause damage to the rest of the branch. So pruning at the right time benefits your willow tree in years to come.
The willow tree branches grow in a beautiful way where the branches droop giving it a wheezing effect. The only issue with this is that it makes the tree vulnerable to strong winds, snow, and frost. These weather conditions can cause your willow branches to crack and then they will eventually snap leaving a damaged branch.
To help your willow tree in snow and frost you can add mulch around the soil to keep heat and moisture within the soil. The mulch will help keep the snow and frost away from the roots which can lead to roots dying. We need to make sure they are kept strong so they can fully support the whole willow and keep it healthy as it grows.
Protection in strong winds is a little harder to prevent the strong winds and the damaging effects. You can evaluate the location of planting your willow and make sure that it’s put in a wind-resistant part of your garden.
Pruning can also help your branches grow stronger which will also help in windy conditions. Pruning away dead or damaged branches will benefit your willow tree. Helping it to grow back healthier and stronger.
When it comes to pruning your willow tree you need to make sure this is done correctly as incorrect pruning can become problematic for your willow. What happens when you incorrectly prune is the branches will become weaker which will create a weakened branch structure over time.
You need to make sure that you cut at the correct angle. The angle you are wanting to cut at is around 45 degrees relative to the branch bark ridge. This is the best way to prevent any damage and it gives your branch the correct treatment for healing once pruned.
If you were to cut in a straight line this can create a range of issues for example water pooling on the cut. What will then likely happen to your willow is decay and disease which can be stressful and threatening to your willow causing it to become a weaker structure and more likely to gain issues over time.
So correct pruning is something that you need to keep in mind when it comes to the willow tree.
The Kilmarnock needs to be in the full sun to thrive in your gardens. It’s required to have at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to help with the growth and branches.
If your willow tree doesn’t get enough sunlight within a day then this can cause your branches to become thin and brittle.
Making sure your willow tree is planted in the correct location in your garden will be beneficial in the long term giving it the best chance to thicken up its branches in the summer season.
Partially shaded areas are also adequate for the willow tree as long as it gets exposed to the sunlight for at least 4- 6 direct hours.
This benefits the willow tree leading up to the winter season as the branches will become stronger and able to cope with the harsh weather.
Your willow tree may experience a lack of flowering. This can be down to a range of things:
- Age- Willow trees only flower when they reach full maturity. A willow tree reaches full maturity at around 3-5 years old.
- Insufficient sunlight – a willow tree needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day to enhance the flowering. Less sunlight can lead to sparse weak flowers.
- Incorrect pruning – Pruning at the right time is essential for flowering. Pruning in late winter and early spring could result in pruning the buds from your branches leading them to not flower.
- Nutrient Deficiency – Fertilising your willow in early spring will give it the boost it needs to help your buds flower throughout summer.
By implementing these simple practices you will be able to increase the chances of catkins on your willow. You will be able to enjoy a beautiful display of flowers on your Kilmarnock.
Your willow tree leaves can become under stress and die due to a range of issues these can be :
- Lack of water – The willow tree is thirsty so it requires constant moisture and watering throughout the dry summer periods. Lack of water can cause leaves to become wilted, start growing, and eventually leaf death.
- Drought Stress – Drought-tolerant willows can suffer in prolonged dry spells which will leave your willow leaves crisp and brown.
- Sunlight exposure – If your willow doesn’t get at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day and is planted in a shaded area this could lead to yellowing and drooping leaves.
- Nutrition Deficiencies – Lack of essential nutrients from soil can affect the overall health of your leaves. If your willow is deficient in nutrients then this can lead to weak pale leaves that will over time die and fall from the branches.
- Fungal Diseases – Fungal can affect your willow tree for example willow scab and canker. These can cause brown and black spots which will result in your leaves wilting and leaf death.
- Pests – There is a range of pests that can affect your willow leaves from leaf beetles to caterpillars. When you experience these your leaves will gain holes and discoloration which will lead to them falling off.
- Salt Damage – Willows are salt tolerant but if it is exposed to the road with road salt and the spray caused by cars this can lead to the leaves turning brown and dying around the edges.
Did you know?
Did you know the origin of the Kilmarnock Willow is a bit of a mystery? While named after the town of Kilmarnock, Scotland, there’s no record of it being cultivated there historically. The leading theory is that it originated in China and was brought to Europe in the 18th century.
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Saving a Dying Willow
When you are wanting to save your dying willow tree there could be a range of issues causing it to die. These can be pruning, water issues, nutrition, pests, or diseases. The first thing you should do is diagnose the issue. This will then narrow down what it is that you need to do to help save your dying willow tree.
The first step to saving your dying willow tree is to make sure you know the cause of the issue. This is where the diagnosis is key. You want to take a look at a few areas of your willow to make sure they require your attention or not. These are :
- Leaves – Examine the leaves and look for any sign of wilting, browning, spotting, and holes within the leaves. If you notice any of these signs within your leaves this can indicate that there is an issue with; water stress, disease, or pest infection.
- Branches and Trunk – Check your willow branches or trunk for any cracks, cankers dead branches or sticky sap. These could be a sign of disease, pest infection, or weather damage.
- Soil – Checking the soil to make sure that it’s not dry and compact or even too soggy, is beneficial to your willow tree. This can significantly impact your root health and how the willow absorbs its nutrients.
Water stress with your willow tree can be down to too much water to too little water. The willow tree is a thirsty plant so making sure that it has the correct watering requirements will help it thrive in your gardens.
First off, check the soil with your hands. Dig a few inches into the soil to check the moisture levels. If you notice that the soil is dry to touch then this is when you need to improve on the watering requirements.
What I do with my mature tree is give it deep water when it becomes dry making sure that the moisture reaches the root zone. If your willow is less than 3 years old just be careful with this as their root system is still developing and doesn’t require as much of a deep water like the mature willow does.
Ways you can help moisture stay within your soil is by adding an organic mulch on top of your soil. Not only does this keep the moisture within your soil longer it decomposes slowly giving your willow added nutrition over time.
If your area becomes waterlogged then improving the drainage would be something you would have to take into consideration. Even though the willow tree is thirsty, too much water can cause issues with the roots and cause them to rot.
The option you could do to improve drainage is amending your soil by adding sand or organic matter. This helps with water percolation. You can also raise your bed where the willow tree is planted creating a larger area for the water but raising your tree so it doesn’t have to sit in the bottom where the water will lay.
Having a willow tree and diagnosing diseases is a crucial part of keeping your willow healthy. There are a few things you need to look out for when determining whether your willow has a disease. These are wilting leaves, yellow or browning leaves, sticky sap-like substances, and sunken areas on your branches to the trunk that have a dark brown or black colour surrounding them.
The ways you can prevent these from happening is by making sure your willow is in at least 4-6 hours’ worth of direct sunlight. This stops the damp from thriving in damp and shady areas.
Don’t over-water your willow tree as this can stress out your tree and make it more susceptible to diseases. Give your willow some fertiliser at the start of spring, as a healthy strong tree is better. At being able to resist diseases.
Thin out the canopy by pruning for good air circulation. This will create space for new shoots without the areas being overcrowded and potentially causing diseases. This happens as the humid micro-climate is proven for disease development. This is why I always make sure my canopy is never overcrowded.
Removing diseased leaves or branches and disregarding them in a burning bin (Making sure you use the correct health and safety procedures). Doing this not only removes the diseased leaves and branches from your willow but it eliminates the chances of it spreading and taking over the whole tree.
Overall I recommend making sure you know which disease you’re dealing with and treating it accordingly with the correct pruning methods and treatment like organic fungicides. Using organic fungicides controls the fungal diseases without harming beneficial insects that might live on your trees.
Pests can be something you get fed up with seeing within your gardens. With the willow tree, there are a few things you can do to prevent them.
What I usually do with my willow is plant flowers and shrubs near the willow tree that will attract insects like ladybirds, lacewings, and other beneficial insects.
The reason why I do this is these beneficial insects prey on harmful pests like aphids and scale insects. This will help keep them away from your willow meaning you shouldn’t experience any harmful attacks.
I also have a bird bath near my willow tree which attracts birds into my garden. Birds love to keep their pests in check and the advantage to this is birds are beautiful and so enjoyable to watch after a long day in the garden.
If you do find a pest infection you can use need oil which is less harmful to the environment and keeps them away from damaging your willow. Caterpillars and beetles can be knocked off my hand or you can use a forceful stream of water just to wash them away.
You may come across issues with your branches or trunk. You can experience cankers, dead branches, or sticky sap. This can be down to diseases, pests, or water damage.
Cracks and Cankers are dark in colour looking almost like your tree has been burnt in worst cases. It can be prevented from getting any worse by adequate pruning techniques. Always make sure that your equipment is sharp and clean, making sure that you cut at the correct angle to reduce any water from sitting on the open wounds and creating fungus.
What I usually do is cut and remove at least a few inches below the visible canker or crack to ensure the infected tissue is no longer in contact with the tree. With the larger cuts that I have to create to remove the infection, I will apply a wound dressing.
This is not essential and sometimes it is in the interest of the tree to let the wound heal on its own. I use it purely to help prevent moisture loss, prevent fungus from growing, and keep those pests away from the open wound. As they do like the taste of freshly cut branches.
Always make sure you use a wound dressing that is created for your willow tree as some can be harmful.
When it comes down to dead branches I inspect my tree before pruning. After I know where the dead branches are I grab my secateurs making sure they have been sterilized to reduce the spread of any diseases. I do this with 10% bleach and water. This just safeguards any risk of diseases spreading. Then start my pruning process.
I cut off the dead branches from the branch collar which is the the area where the branch meets the main trunk. This will make sure that any pests or diseases that are on your dead branches are also removed and won’t cause you any future issues.
This will then give your willow an extra boost to grow as it won’t be using nutrients or energy to try and grow the dead branches.
With the willow tree, you need to make sure the soil is correct to satisfy its needs and requirements. Doing this will help your root system stay strong and healthy.
The benefits of a strong root system the whole tree will thrive and become healthier as it grows. Checking your soil is the first step that needs to be taken. Use your hands and dig down 2 inches to check the moisture, if the soil seems dry and crumbly then you will need to increase your watering frequency.
This will include depth too making sure that the longer roots that are deep down manage to get an adequate amount of water. Make sure you don’t overwater as this can make the soil too soggy which could potentially lead to rot within your roots.
If your willow tree is within an area where you experience waterlogged grounds then improving the drainage system around your tree will become very beneficial with how your tree grows.
Overall you have to make sure your soil isn’t too compact, dry, soggy, and has a good fertilise. I always give my willow a fertilise at the start of spring which slowly releases into the ground giving it the right balance throughout summer. Doing this will give you a helping hand when it comes to having a beautiful Kilmarnock willow tree.
Did you know?
The Kilmarnock Willow is one of the first trees to bloom in spring. Its fuzzy catkins appear before the leaves, bursting with pollen and nectar – a much-needed energy boost for hungry bees, butterflies, and especially mama birds needing to fuel up for chick-raising.
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Kilmarnock Willow Root System
Your Kilmarnock Willow can experience root system issues and invasive roots. Below I will be talking about these and how we can help our root systems grow strong and healthy avoiding any costly invasive root problems.
When it comes to root problems these can take their toll on the growth of your willow tree. With this area of the tree being responsible for the health and growth we must be aware of the problems you can face and what happens if you have unhealthy roots.
There are signs that your root system may be having some difficulties these are:
- Stunted Growth
- Leaves Wilting
- Leaf Discolouration
- Leaf Drop
All of these can be down to issues within the root system if there are no other signs like diseases, pests, or deficiencies with water or nutrition.
Prevention and cure for these root-causing issues can be:
- Planting in well-drained areas- This will prevent any roots from being in too much water and causing root rot.
- Adequate watering – You need to water your Kilmarnock regularly in hot and dry spells. Aim for moist soil stay away from making your soil too soggy. I recommend making sure the top inch of soil is dry before giving your willow more water.
- Mulching – Adding mulch around the base of your willow about 2-3 inches thick will retain moisture and regulate temperature. Over time the mulch will break down too giving your willow an extra boost with nutrition. It is also good for weed control which is a bonus for us gardeners.
- compact soil – Avoid creating compact soil around the base. Ideally, you don’t want to be planting your willow on your drive where eventually your car will drive over the soil.
Overall prevention techniques are key to helping your root system as this helps your willow grow healthy and strong. It also gives you the peace of mind that your roots will keep your willow upright in those strong winds.
A willow tree does have invasive roots with them being water-seeking trees they are always in search of moisture within the soil. The willow tree roots are known to spread up to 40 meters wide. With its canopy being 10 meters wide the root system can spread to 30 meters in any direction in search of water. So keeping this in mind when you are planting your willows is very important so it doesn’t cause any structural issues on path foundations and your house.
They are known to be a shallow spreading tree but with this happening it means more damage can be done with how wide they spread and how strong their roots are.
Planting your willow at least 15-20 feet away from any structures in your garden will benefit you in so many ways. I usually keep my larger trees at the bottom end of my garden so they can’t cause me any costly damage. I always make sure there aren’t any underground pipes that the willow can cause issues with.
There are alternative willows like the dwarf willow. With this type, the roots aren’t as aggressive as the larger willows so this could be an option if you don’t have room in your gardens but you’re wanting a willow for its beautiful weeping effects.
You can also plant in a pot but you’ve got to be prepared to use a large pot. Also, you will have to re-pot regularly to give it the space to grow and become stronger.
Did you know?
The dense, weeping branches of the Kilmarnock Willow create a hidden haven for birds to build their nests. This leafy canopy provides excellent protection from predators and keeps prying eyes away from those precious eggs and chicks.
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Kilmarnock Willow Health Concerns
Health concerns surround the willow tree in a variety of ways for example you can experience pest problems, sunlight issues, and weather damage. When you come across these issues you want to know what they are, how they appeared and treatment or prevention you can use to help your willow tree become healthy again.
Below I will be going into what the issues are. How to spot them before getting any worse and lastly how to treat them. Giving you this knowledge will not only help you as a gardener but will help your Kilmarnock willow tree thrive.
Three fungal pathogens cause your willow tree to experience spots on its leaves, blotches, or dieback. These are called:
- Willow Anthracnose -Brown or black spots that appear on the leaves
- Willow Scab– Irregular black spots causing black new shoots to become shriveled.
- Willow Canker- Brown or black stems that appear on the trunk too.
The symptoms of these diseases are:
- Dark brown or black coloured spots
- Shriveled or drooping leaves
- Stems turning black
It’s always best to check over your willow to make sure you spot the diseases before they turn extreme and unmanageable. If you do spot these issues then there are ways we can help out willow trees. What we can do is:
- Chemical Treatments- Copper fungicide is always my go-to chemical treatment when it comes to fungus treatment. What I usually do is spray the surface that is infected until thoroughly wet. I always avoid spraying open blooms as this can harm them.
- Home remedies – If you don’t like using chemical treatments there is a home remedy you can use. This consists of; 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 pints of water, and ½ a teaspoon of washing up liquid. Mix it and place it into a spray bottle. This can be used the same as the chemical treatments.
- Pruning- Maintenance pruning can have an advantage for your willow tree when it comes to keeping fungal infections away. Pruning away damaged and infected stems and leaves will eliminate the disease and stop it from spreading to the rest of your willow. While improving the tree’s vigor.
Sticky sap can be from a few issues surrounding your willow these could be:
- Pest Infestation
- Natural response to wounds and stress
With yellow sticky substance, you need to keep an eye on your tree to indicate what is the lead issue causing the sap to happen. If you do notice insects like aphids then addressing this with neem oil will help target the unwanted pests and get rid of them from your willow.
If the pests aren’t removed or treated then this will cause them to eat into the bark making open wounds. What will happen then is the tree’s natural response will be to create sap to help but this will make the situation get worse over time leading to severe cases and may be an untreatable tree. So it’s important to keep an eye on those pests to eliminate the chances of extreme sap situations.
Once the issue has been resolved then you can remove the sap with a towel and warm water with horticultural oil.
Willow Rust is one of the most common issues we have to deal with when it comes to the willow tree. This type of disease looks like you have pollen on your leaves. This is why most people don’t notice it until the leaves of their willow start to brown and die.
There are a few ways we can determine if we are dealing with willow rust;
- Yellow spots on leaves – The underside of your leaves has yellow spots.
- Pustules – Bright orange or yellow dusty or powder-like spots on the underside of leaves.
- Leaf browning – Leaves turn brown and die as the infection progresses.
If you have one of the above symptoms then you need to take action and resolve this as soon as you can. The reason for this is because severe willow rust can result in significant defoliation. What I suggest for you to do to help with your willow rust is:
- Rake Fallen Leaves and dispose of them. You can burn them in your burning bins or place them in your garden waste bin ready for bin day. This is done because it prevents the disease from spreading and reduces severe willow rust. REMEMBER always take care when using your burning bins.
- Prune away any branches or leaves that are badly affected and dispose of them safely.
- Correct watering is essential when you notice willow rust. You want to avoid overhead watering and splashing on the leaves as this can spread the willow rust. What happens is the leaves become moist which is the perfect environment for the fungus to grow and expand to more of your willow. Watering at the base is ideal and reduces the chance of spreading.Â
- Fungicide Solution isn’t recommended and should only be used when necessary as it can have an impact on soil health. This isn’t environmentally good either. If you wanted to use the Fungicide then I would recommend going to your local gardening center and taking a look at the labels and making sure that your willow and willow rust/tree rust is mentioned. Always obey the instructions and take extra care when using chemicals. Protective wear is essential and always remove them before going into your house.
- Baking soda and neem oil mixture is a more natural route to go down as this wouldn’t harm your tree’s soil and it also wouldn’t damage any other plants around. To make this mixture I use 3L of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of castile soap, and 2 tablespoons of neem oil. Then place this into a spray bottle and you’re ready to use it.Â
- Adequate watering and fertilising are essential in the dryer months as the willow loves its moist soil so giving it plenty of water will also help with regrowth when you have to prune away the rust. Fertilising can also be done in early spring to give your willow an extra helping hand and a boost in nutrients.
Overall with all the solutions above the one I find the most effective is to prune away all the infected leaves removing them from the tree and destroying them in my burning bin. This isn’t just cost-effective for us gardeners but it’s the most effective way I have found to eliminate the rust when it becomes severe. What this does is it stops the rust from spreading onto more leaves making sure your willow keeps its lush green foliage. This also gives your willow a boost which will enhance its growing cycle giving you fresh growth and no rust.
Aphids are small soft-bodied insects that are in a range of colours from green, yellow, brown, black, and sometimes purply/pink. They have a wax coating and they are shaped like a pear.
What happens to your willow tree is:
- Curled Leaves
- Yellowing
- Create Honeydew
The treatment for these sneaky pests can be something as simple as neem oil. This is a natural pesticide and is used to kill aphids and a range of other pests within your gardens. It works by disrupting the insects and suffocating them. Once the neem oil has worked its magic.
I would recommend using a powerful stream of water to wash them off and get rid of any remains or honeydew that is left behind. If the aphid infestation isn’t on the extreme side then the blast of water alone could be enough to remove them without having to use neem oil.
Willow scale insects feed on willow sap. They tend to be oval and look a little flattened. They grow to around â…› inch long when adults and are gray to brown. Their shells are tough and waxy as this is their protection from predators and insecticides.
What happens to your tree is:
- Yellowing of leaves
- Sticky sap
- Honeydew
- Dieback
To treat this you could leave it up to the willow predators. To do this you would have to plant flowers around your bay tree that attract them. For example, using pollen-rich blooms will attract ladybugs. This will then help with the scale population.
What I usually use for the control of this is Horticultural oil. What this does is smother the scale insect. Just be sure to read the label before applying to make sure this is done safely and correctly.
To conclude Kilmarnock willow tree problems. With the proper care and attention, your willow can become an eye-catching attraction within your gardens. Remember diagnosis is key to solving any problems that your willow may encounter. If you do experience any complex issues then you can always consult a certified arborist for expert advice.
My Kilmarnock Willow is covered in a fine yellow spray. I thought at first it was a form of pollen, but now the leaves are turning brown, and look is hey are dying.,
Any suggestions would be well received.
Thank you………………….
Hi Lynda, Thank you for your comment this is something I completely forgot to talk about. Thank you for reminding me!
What I believe you are having issues with is what’s called Willow Rust/Tree Rust. This does look like pollen but it’s a fungal disease.
The best way I have found to eliminate this from your willow would be to prune all the infected foliage and dispose of it making sure you rake away any dead/fallen foliage too from the base of your willow.
I have added a section in Kilmarnock Willow Health Concerns Called Willow Rust this goes into more detail.
I hope this helps you with your willow. If you have any more questions I will be happy to help and answer them for you 🙂Â
Steph x
Hi, I have 2 and there yellow under leaves, what is this please
Hi Brenda,Â
There could be several issues with your willow tree depending on how your leaves are.Â
If your foliage has spots that have turned powdery looking like pollen then this would be caused by willow rust. My advice for this would be to prune away all the infected leaves making sure you dispose of them safely too.Â
You could also be experiencing pests like aphids. They are tiny yellow or orange bugs that live on the underside of your leaves. They end up leaving a sticky residue called honeydew. I always use neem oil and spray it on the infected leaves.Â
Lastly, if your foliage has no sign of disease or pests then this could be down to over-watering, under-watering, or nutrition deficiencies. These can be resolved easily by improving drainage areas, having a better watering schedule, and fertilising your willow 3- 4 times a year starting in April and ending in late July.Â
I hope this helps you with your willow problem. If you do have any more questions I’m always here to help 🙂
Thank youÂ
Steph xÂ