The Harlequin willow is not one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in German gardens for nothing. It owes its beautiful appearance, among other things, to the dense, green leaves. No wonder every gardener worries when they suddenly turn brown. Do you also need advice on what to do in this case? Here you will learn how to correctly interpret the symptoms and treat them successfully.
Why does my harlequin willow have brown leaves?
Brown leaves on a harlequin willow can be caused by incorrect location, disease and fungal attack, or peak drought. A change of location, enough water, pruning or removing pests often help to solve the problem.
Possible causes of brown leaves
- wrong location
- Diseases and fungal infestation
- peak drought
Wrong location
The fact that your harlequin willow's leaves are turning brown shouldn't worry you too much. Most of the time it is a simple care error. The wrong choice of location, for example. Although the tree cannot tolerate waterlogging, persistent drought is also damaging to it. Is your harlequin willow perhaps too sunny? Or are you watering your harlequin willow too little?
Diseases and fungal infestation
Only when you can rule out the above-mentioned care errors should you consider illness. A common parasite is the willow borer. The white or dark red larvae are easy to recognize due to their size, up to ten centimeters long. If you discover the willow borer on the wood of your harlequin willow, you need to act quickly. Because an excessive infestation causes the tree to die in a short time. Cut the harlequin willow back so far that all infected branches have been removed and burn the green waste immediately.
peak drought
Tip drought is a natural feature that is particularly evident in the summer months. Growth slows towards the end of the branches. The plant lacks the strength to supply its leaves with sufficient nutrients. A strong pruning strengthens their capacities.
