Weeping Willow Leaf Scorch: Turf Builder Herbicide Injury

The sudden browning from leaf edges inward on your 2-year-old willows, starting 2 weeks after Scotts Turf Builder application, strongly suggests herbicide injury. Many "weed & feed" products contain broadleaf herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP) that trees absorb through roots.

Why Willows Are Sensitive

• Shallow, wide-spreading roots extend far into lawn area.
• Fast growth = high herbicide uptake.
• Symptoms: marginal leaf scorch, curling, progressive decline.

Action Plan

1. Stop all lawn chemicals near trees (min. 20 ft radius).
2. Water deeply to leach herbicide from root zone (but don't waterlog).
3. Do not fertilize trees—added stress.
4. Monitor for recovery—willows often resprout from base if roots survive.

West Nile Spraying

Adulticide sprays (permethrin, etc.) for mosquitoes do not harm trees.

Prevention

• Use fertilizer-only products (no herbicide) near trees.
• Hand-pull or spot-treat weeds instead of broadcast "weed & feed."
• Mulch rings eliminate lawn competition under trees.

Your willows may recover if roots weren't killed. Next year, keep herbicides far from tree roots.