Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Examine the twigs for dark lesions or dieback.
- Check if the tree is crowded by other plants.
- Look for fallen leaves showing spots on the ground.
Likely causes
Willow Scab
Most likelyHow to tell: You will notice dark, olive green to black spots on the leaves and small twigs. Eventually, the twigs may die back or curl.
What to do: Prune away all infected branches during dry weather to stop the spread. Dispose of all fallen leaves and debris to prevent the fungus from overwintering.
Poor air circulation
PossibleHow to tell: The tree is planted too close to other structures or dense shrubs. The foliage stays damp for too long after rain.
What to do: Thin out crowded branches to allow better airflow through the canopy. Avoid overhead watering that keeps the leaves wet for extended periods.
Find out what's wrong with your weeping 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.
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When to worry
Worry if you see significant twig dieback or if the tree loses a large portion of its leaves. Small, isolated spots are manageable with good sanitation.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around the base of the tree clean and prune for airflow every winter.
Weeping Willow: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your weeping 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Should I use a fungicide?
- Fungicides are rarely necessary for home landscapes. Proper pruning and cleaning up debris are much more effective.
- Will my tree recover from willow scab?
- Yes, most healthy trees recover well once the infected parts are removed. Keep the tree well watered to help it bounce back.
More problems with Weeping Willow
Back to the Weeping Willow guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.