Why are there bugs on my Black willow?

Check these first

1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for insects.
2. Look for skeletonized or chewed leaf edges.
3. Check for sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

1. Willow leaf beetle

   Most likely

   How to tell: You will see small, shiny, metallic beetles or yellowish larvae eating holes in the leaves. In heavy infestations, the leaves may look like lace.

   What to do: Pick off the beetles by hand if the tree is small. For larger trees, use a strong spray of water to knock them off or apply neem oil according to the label instructions.

2. Aphids

   Possible

   How to tell: Look for sticky honeydew on the leaves or clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth. They often cause leaves to curl or yellow.

   What to do: Spray the affected branches with a steady stream of water to dislodge the insects. If they persist, use insecticidal soap once every 7 days until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

When to worry

Worry if the tree loses more than 30 percent of its leaves, as this stresses the tree. A few bugs are normal and usually handled by natural predators.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with consistent water and full sun to help it resist pest attacks. Clean up fallen leaves in autumn to remove overwintering sites.

Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my tree?

Usually no, but repeated defoliation over several years can weaken the tree significantly. Keep an eye on the damage levels.

Can I use chemical pesticides?

It is better to avoid them as they kill beneficial insects too. Stick to water sprays or neem oil first.

Guides to these causes

• Aphids

More problems with Black willow

• What are these dark spots on my Black willow branches?
• Why is my Black willow dropping leaves?
• Why is my black willow drooping?
• Why are my black willow leaves turning yellow?
• Why are my black willow's leaf tips turning brown?
• Why is my Black willow growing so leggy?
• Why are my Black willow leaves curling?