Brown leaves on the willow either indicate a care error or are caused by diseases. Read here what to do in this case.
What to do if the willow has brown leaves?
Willows get brown leaves due to care errors or diseases such as willow scab and Marssonina. For willow scab, remove affected leaves and add phosphorus or potassium; for Marssonina, cut off diseased canes and only use fungicides in an emergency.
Possible causes
First of all, you should consider care mistakes if your willow leaves turn brown. However, one of the following diseases can also be present:
- willow scab
- Marssonina disease
willow scab
This is a fungus that mainly occurs after wet spring weather. The leaves then have a dark brown color. In the final stage the branches also bend.
Marssonina disease
This fungal infection causes brown growths to form on the leaves of your willow.
Treatment measures
Removing the affected leaves and giving phosphorus or potassium helps against willow scab. If Marssonina disease is present, diseased canes should be carefully cut off. Use fungicides only in extreme emergencies.