How to Stop a Willow Tree from Closing

Examine the wilting leaves and the twigs for brown spots. If you notice spots or browning leaves, take an afflicted leaf or twig to a nursery or county extension office for a diagnosis. Your willow could have bacteria or bacteria twig blight. If it is one of these blights, remove the diseased limbs and discard, then treat with an appropriate pesticide, such as Bordeaux. If left untreated, these blights can defoliate an entire tree.

Observe the closing leaves. If they are turning black, the tree could have scab, also called shoot blight. It rarely causes a lot of damage on a tree unless it is young, or if the scab is left untreated for years. Prune afflicted leaves and branches from the tree. If the willow is young and you notice scab, prune the afflicted areas and then treat the rest of the tree with a copper fungicide, per label instructions, to prevent damage.

Look under the curling leaves for insects. Aphids in particular commonly attack willow trees. They are small, pear-shaped bugs that suck sap from the tree. If aphids are present, use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them, per label instructions.

Water the willow tree regularly if it is not growing in moist soil conditions and you are experiencing drought-like conditions. Willows are heavy drinkers in general, and the leaves could be wilting or curling from lack of water. Water under the willow’s canopy two to three times a week with 1 to 2 inches of water. When the leaves recover, water the tree once a week when there is no rainfall.