Laurel Leaf Willow

Description:

This willow appears to have had damage from at least a season ago. The tree has been pruned in 2 places (2nd and 3rd) branch. The foilage begins very high up on the upper branches. Several of the branches above the pruning area are completely dead. The tree appears to be a bit healthier near the top. The bark is slightly peeling on the trunk and on some of the deader branches. The leaves have a yellowing on them that follows the veins on the leaves.

Habitat:

The willow tree seems to be in a excellent environment. It has southern exposure. It has mulch from what appears to be a year ago. It has 2 irrigation heads less that foot from the trunk. It is located 6 feet from a marsh area on either side. The grass around the tree within a 4 foot radius looks to be healthier than the surrounding area.

Notes:

Judging by the location of the pruning cuts, the poor tree appearance may be from weather damage from a previous year. The cuts look very weathered, leading me to believe the pruning was done quite a while ago. According to my research, this willow is located in its optimal habitat. The troubling factor is, there was another tree of the same species beside my spotting that had similar symptoms, but no visible pruning. The yellowing of the leaves may be an indicator of chlorosis, the symptoms include yellowing leaves and eventually all the leaves fall and the tree dies. My research indicates that Laurel leaf willow is susceptible to it. http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-inn... http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/...