Weeping Pussy Willow Sudden Decline: Water, Blight, or Canker?

Weeping pussy willow leaves curling and dropping en masse. Some branches turning dark brown/black from tips inward ~5 inches. Want to save it.

First Check: Water

Willows need consistent moisture. Drought causes rapid leaf curl/drop.

Disease Possibilities

Bacterial Twig Blight (Pseudomonas)

• Brown wilting leaves, branch dieback
• Brown streaks in wood
• Overwinters in cankers
• Treatment: Prune infected twigs; fixed copper spray early spring

Cytospora Canker

• Sunken, discolored cankers on twigs/branches
• Girdle and kill branches
• Treatment: Prune out dead wood; fixed copper spray

Cotton Root Rot (Phymatotrichum) — TX/OK/SW only

• Sudden wilt, leaves hang on
• Roots decay, bark slips
• Fatal, no cure

Recommendation

Arborist evaluation needed. Symptoms overlap. A professional can diagnose and prescribe targeted treatment.