Does yellowing mean I need more sun?

Not necessarily. While these trees love full sun, yellowing is more often related to water issues than light levels.

Should I remove the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can gently pluck them off to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing is continuing.

Grey willow: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
Check the drainage holes for blockages.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the soil stays soggy for days. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering until the top inch of soil feels slightly less saturated. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn pale yellow while the veins stay green. This often happens if the tree has been in the same pot for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Repot the tree into fresh soil if it has outgrown its current container.

Yellow leaves on other plants

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.

When to worry

Yellowing is serious if it spreads rapidly across the whole plant. It is normal for a few older leaves near the base to yellow and drop as the tree grows.

Stopping it coming back

Use a well draining soil mix and never let the pot sit in standing water.

Grey willow: yellow leaves? 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.

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

Questions people ask

Does yellowing mean I need more sun?: Not necessarily. While these trees love full sun, yellowing is more often related to water issues than light levels.
Should I remove the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can gently pluck them off to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing is continuing.

Why are my Grey willow's leaves turning yellow?