How do you go about handling rust on a weeping willow?
Question:any suggestions. the weeping willow tree has rust all over the leaves and your back gets all orange whenever you walk underneath.
Answers:
Rust on willows will cause the tree to lose its leaves but will not seriously harm your tree. Severely infected leaves will have many yellow or brown spots and will fall off. The diseases is spread by rain and wind during the trees growing season. Normally willow trees thrive under wet conditions, but rain makes the rust disease worse.
The spores of the fungus will survive winter on the fallen leaves and reinfect the tree the following spring. So the best method of control is to rake all the leaves in the fall and keep the tree healthy with proper fertilization, watering and mulching.
There are chemicals used to control this problem, because it would not be practical to spray a large tree.
If you choose to spray, I would suggest that you use "Daconil 2787" (active ingredient; chlorothalonil) and spray to wet the entire tree. A repeat application may be necessary within 10 days. Daconil can be purchased at most hardware/garden shops.
Hope this helps solve your problem. GOOD LUCK!
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science
um...last time I checked, plants weren't supposed to rust. The leaves will fall off and new, unrusted ones will grow back.
Sounds like it could be a fungal disease called rust. It may lead to canker, etc.
Call a nursery and see if they can recommend a treatment before it spreads or kills your tree.
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