Weeping Willow Tree Problems

Weeping willow trees (salix sepulcralis) are graceful trees and have been mentioned in many poems. These trees look extremely beautiful and stand out nicely in any landscape design, which is why they are so popular as ornamental trees. These trees are also one of the fast growing shade trees. After the initial years of the tree's growth, very less maintenance is required for it. But, in the initial years, one to take great care of the young tree, to prevent any weeping willow tree problems.

Weeping Willow Diseases and Problems
Below are mentioned some common weeping willow problems and diseases.

Infestation of pests
Pest infestation is one of the common problem with this tree. The pests that usually attack weeping willow trees, are scales, borers, aphids, caterpillars and gypsy moths. Let us look at the problems and diseases faced while growing weeping willow trees.

The tree appears dead and was planted near a drainage ditch
Never plant the weeping willow near drainage ditches, or sewage lines. The roots of this tree grow deep and can break these lines, causing damage for the area and itself in the process. However, if you observe your tree shedding its leaves and looking almost dead, and know that it was planted near a drainage ditch, try this. Scrap off a little piece of the bark and check if it is green. Keep scraping the bark at a distance of 6 inches in the branches, if you find green, that means it is alive. If you find it brown, it means that the tree is dead. If the tree is alive, replant it elsewhere, if the tree is dead, get rid of it.

Old tree with rots
Rot is some sort of bacterial or fungal, infection disease. In this disease, the roots of the tree, at the base of the trunk, can be seen to be reddish. The average life span of the weeping willow tree is 30 years. If the tree is over 30 years and has got rot disease, better get rid of it as the tree might fall down and damage the surroundings.

Brown spots on the leaves and shoots
This is a disease called marssonina canker (black canker). In this disease, dark brown spots appear on the leaves and white lesion with black rings can be seen on the twigs and stems. Trim out the infected branches and treat the tree with fungicides or bactericides. If this still doesn't work, get rid of the infected tree to protect the rest of your garden.

Olive green color infection on leaves and stems
This is a disease called willow scab, which occurs mostly during the growing season of the tree, which is usually April and May. This disease causes olive green colored infection, on the underside of the leaves and is more prominent at the veins. To protect the tree, prune out the diseased branches and treat it with a good fungicide. Sometimes, willow scab and black canker, affect the tree together, and this disease is called willow blight.

Tree has round bulges which are 1 - 3 inches in size
These could be cysts formed due to egg laying by insects. These cysts are harmless, however, cut open a bulge to check what it contains.

Roots coming out of the ground
To prevent any damage of the roots, by mowers or other lawn equipment. Cover the roots with some soil and little amount of mulch.

Other Problems
There are many other problems affecting weeping willow tree. Some problems can be fixed, some problems can be avoided and some problems have no other solution other than the removal of the tree. Here are some more problems, that might affect this tree.

• Wilting or browning of the tree due to severe drought conditions.
• Physical damage, due to any accident might result into pre-mature loss of the tree.
• If the tree is standing in a water region for long, this creates anaerobic conditions, which results into the decaying and dying of the tree.
• Extremely cold weather might cause vertical cracks in the trunk. This might invite diseases like cancer or rots.

One can always prevent these hazards by taking good care and maintaining a healthy weeping willow tree.