Golden Chain Tree & Wisteria Decline: Herbicide Drift Suspect

Young golden chain tree (Laburnum) dying like wisteria did last year—thin, discolored leaves that shrivel. Oregon State lab suggested herbicide drift.

Key Clue

No disease infects both wisteria (vine) and golden chain (tree). Granular “weed-and-feed” lawn herbicides near root zones are a prime suspect—they move in soil and damage broadleaf plants.

Investigation

• Check if neighbors/applicators used granular herbicide near trees.
• Avoid all granular herbicides within 2× drip line of desirable trees.
• Spot-treat weeds with liquid only, or hand-pull.

Trees may recover if exposure stops. No fungicide will fix herbicide injury.