Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Is my willow getting too much sun?

If the brown tips are accompanied by scorched patches on the leaves, it might be getting too much direct afternoon sun. Move it to a spot with partial shade.

Goat willow: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil has dried out too much between waterings.
Look for heat vents or drafts near the plant.
Examine the soil surface for white mineral deposits.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This often happens if the air is too dry or the plant is near a heat source.
What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant. Keep the willow away from direct drafts or heating vents.
Salt Buildup
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by using hard tap water or over fertilizing. You might see a white crust on the soil surface along with the brown tips.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled water to wash away excess salts. Switch to using filtered or rainwater for your next few waterings.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your goat 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

Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is unhappy with its environment. It is normal for the very edges of leaves to brown slightly as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable environment away from extreme temperature shifts. Use filtered water if your tap water is very hard.

Goat willow: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your goat 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Is my willow getting too much sun?: If the brown tips are accompanied by scorched patches on the leaves, it might be getting too much direct afternoon sun. Move it to a spot with partial shade.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my goat willow leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your goat willow?