Willows Dying Off

[Duncan.]

Not seen any Willow like that but have taken down 2 Birches probably similar age this spring that have done exactly the same thing leaves just about emerge then died. Also saw a ornamental Cherry last week that appears to have done the same. I assumed it may be something to do with the particularly dry April and persistent frosts into May although doesn't make sense for your Willow by the pond.

[Bunzena]

My gut feel is that some kind of pathogen has got in and shut down the vascular system - starving the tree of any moisture.

 

The twigs are already pretty dry and there's very little 'green' under the bark when scratched with a fingernail.

 

Whatever has happened has only affected a few of the many willows on the land.  We have other Goat Willows, Common Willows, some Willow Hybrids, Weeping Willows and some Red Willows - and these seem to be unaffected so far.