Question
QUESTION: I have what seems to be a cocoon in every tree branch of my willow with the other leaves nibbled off.  What can I do?  Will the willow tree die from this?  I have been battling japanese beetles with milky spore and failed to notice this cocoon thingy until it had eaten every leaf.  Thanks for any and all help.

ANSWER: Dona:
Can you send me a picture? Is this a web or actually a small cocoon hanging?

You can email me a digital photo.  This may be helpful.
Steve

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QUESTION: I am not able to send photo.  The cocoons are wrapped within the leaves.  I am very grateful for your time and I applaud you for volunteering your expertise to help others.
Dona

Answer
Dona:

I am not sure how big your willow tree is. I doubt if these insect will have a major impact on the overall health, especially if it is a big tree. Sometimes these cocoons offer some level of protection for the "critter" within them- making a spray of minimal value.  If they concern you, collect a few of the affected leaves and carry to your local county Extension office or carry them by your local nursery/garden center to see if they can ID them for you.  It is probably a type of caterpillar in which case an insecticide material called BT or Thuricide can be sueful, assuming you can spray the whole tree- that's where the hard part comes in--coverage.  Check with your garden center or Extension office on the best way to go.

Thanks for your interest in the "Green" stuff.
Steve