It is not for nothing that the harlequin willow is one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in German gardens. Among other things, it owes its beautiful appearance to the dense, green leaves. No wonder every gardener is concerned when they suddenly turn brown. Do you also need advice on what to do in this case? Here you will learn how to interpret the symptoms correctly and how to treat them successfully.
If the harlequin willow does not like its location, it reacts with brown leaves
Possible causes of brown leaves
- wrong location
- diseases and fungal infestations
- peak drought
Wrong location
Don't worry too much about your harlequin willow turning brown. Usually there is a simple maintenance error. The wrong choice of location, for example. Although the tree does not tolerate waterlogging, prolonged drought also damages it. Is your harlequin pasture too sunny? Or are you watering your harlequin willow too little?
diseases and fungal infestations
Only when you can rule out the care mistakes mentioned above should you consider an illness. A common parasite is the willow borer. The white or dark red larvae are easy to recognize due to their size, up to ten centimeters in length. If you discover the willow borer on the wood of your harlequin willow, you need to act quickly. Because an excessive infestation causes the tree to die off in a short time. Cut back the harlequin willow to remove all affected branches and burn the green waste immediately.
peak drought
The peak drought is a natural feature that is particularly evident in the summer months. Towards the end of the branches growth is sluggish. The plant lacks the strength to supply its leaves with sufficient nutrients. A strong pruning strengthens their capacities.