Navajo Globe Willow Decline: Salty Well Water + Fresh Manure = Toxic Combo

Four Corners Willow Yellowing: Water and Soil Issues

A Navajo globe willow in sandy soil with sheep manure, watered 3×/week with salty well water. One side yellow/dead; other side green.

Dual Toxicity

• Salt water: Accumulates in root zone → osmotic stress → leaf burn, death.
• Fresh manure: High ammonia/salts → root burn. Must compost 6+ months.

Emergency Fix

• STOP salty water immediately.
• Flush soil: deep, slow fresh water (if available) to leach salts.
• Water 1 inch/week ONLY during dry spells (pan test).
• Remove excess manure; replace with composted mulch.

Outlook

If caught early, willow may recover. Salt damage often irreversible if prolonged. Test water EC; >2 dS/m problematic for most trees.