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Willow Shrub - appears to be dying, is there a way to save it? #406735

Asked June 13, 2017, 12:12 PM EDT

I have 3 Dapped Willow bushes that have been in place for approximately 6-7 years. They are near a downspout so they receive a lot of water which has done well for them all the years. I noticed this spring that they did not fill out with leaves as much as in prior years. After taking a closer look I found many branches dead and some snapped off the base of the trunk very easily. When I cut the dead ones, I noticed a ring - reddish color in the bark (see photo). I didn't see this when I cut a healthier branch. Other symptoms I noticed - there is a lot of moss on the ground - more than I have ever seen so I don't know if that played a role. I am worried with the amount of branches (close to 1/2) that are bad, that it is dying. Is there anything you can see or ideas for how I might be able to save them? Thanks

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Your willows could be suffering from some fungal disease or they may just need a good rejuvenating pruning. I would prune out all of the dead branches and plan to do a good pruning next winter/early spring. The moss is just due to the wet conditions. I found this info about the dappled willow that should be of help and interest. http://www.midwestgardentips.com/hakuro-nishiki_dappled_willow.html
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2017, 10:17 AM EDT
Thank you Sherry! I will remove all the bad branches and prune further later in the year.
The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2017, 12:19 PM EDT

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