Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant receives.
- Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
- Look for signs of new growth at the base.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
PossibleHow to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your willow to a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If it is indoors, move it outside, because a window rarely gives this shrub enough light.
Lack of pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant looks sparse and spindly despite having good light. It lacks a bushy, full shape.
What to do: Prune back the long, thin stems in late winter or early spring. This encourages the plant to branch out and grow more densely.
Find out what's wrong with your grey 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 stems become so weak they cannot support their own weight. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly during the dark winter months.
Stopping it coming back
Prune your willow annually to maintain its shape and keep it in a location with plenty of direct sunlight.
Grey willow: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your grey 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
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I prune my willow in summer?
- It is best to wait until late winter or early spring. Pruning during the growing season can stress the plant.
- Will more light make it bushier?
- Yes, adequate light is essential for strong, compact growth. Combine this with regular pruning for the best results.
More problems with Grey willow
- Why does my Grey willow have dark spots on its leaves?
- Why are there bugs on my Grey willow?
- Why is my Grey willow dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Grey willow drooping?
- Why are my Grey willow's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Grey willow's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Salix cinerea suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Salix cinerea leaves curling?
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.