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goat willow · Salix caprea

Why are there bugs on my goat willow?

Seeing tiny insects on your goat willow is fairly common, especially during the warmer months. Check the undersides of the leaves first to see what is hiding there.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny clusters of insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems or leaves.
  3. Check for dark spots or lesions on the foliage.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Willow anthracnose

    Possible

    How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. You will see dark, sunken spots on leaves that eventually lead to premature leaf drop.

    What to do: Prune away all infected branches to stop the spread. Improve airflow around the plant and avoid wetting the foliage when you water.

Pests 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.

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When to worry

Worry if the infestation covers most of the new growth or if the plant starts dropping leaves rapidly. A few stray bugs are normal and usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your willow healthy with consistent watering and good air circulation. Regularly inspect the plant during the growing season to catch pests early.

Goat willow: pests? 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.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my goat willow?
A small number of aphids will not kill a mature tree, but a large infestation can weaken it. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Can I use neem oil on my willow?
Yes, neem oil is a safe and effective way to manage aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Guides to these causes

More problems with goat willow

Back to the goat 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.