How much water does my willow need?

The soil should stay consistently moist. If you can stick your finger an inch into the soil and it feels dry, it is time to water.

Will the leaves grow back?

If the tree is healthy, it will produce new leaves once the stressor is removed. If the drop is due to late season dormancy, it will leaf out again in spring.

Why is my white willow dropping its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture level at the base of the tree.
Look for spots on the fallen leaves.
Check if the tree has experienced a recent dry spell.

Likely causes

Drought Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off, and the soil feels dry to the touch. Willows need consistent moisture to thrive.
What to do: Water the tree deeply every 3 to 7 days during dry spells. Ensure the water reaches the root zone by soaking the ground slowly.
Fungal Infection
Possible
How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly, often with dark spots or lesions visible on them. This is common after a wet, humid spring.
What to do: Remove and dispose of all fallen leaves to stop the spread of spores. Keep the area around the base of the tree clean and dry.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white willow

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Leaf drop in late autumn is perfectly normal as the tree goes dormant. If it happens in the middle of summer, it is a sign of stress.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the base of the tree free of debris to prevent fungal buildup.

White willow: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white willow and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How much water does my willow need?: The soil should stay consistently moist. If you can stick your finger an inch into the soil and it feels dry, it is time to water.
Will the leaves grow back?: If the tree is healthy, it will produce new leaves once the stressor is removed. If the drop is due to late season dormancy, it will leaf out again in spring.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my white willow dropping its leaves?