My weeping willow is losing some leaves in July - is this normal?

Question

We just moved into this house less than a year ago, and one of the things we liked best about the yard was a mature weeping willow right in the center of the yard. It is wonderful but lately has yellowed up on some of the leaves and then dropped them. It still looks okay and most of the yelow has seemed to have gone now, but is this normal? Also, it has been over 100 degrees here lately as well, that may have somethign to do with it. Any takers?

Answer 1

Yeah I'd blame the weather.

Willows are water hogs. The high temps probably let it get a little dry. Don't worry with watering if it's mature the roots are too deep for you watering to help.

If you're really concerned, cut a sample from where you know there was yellow & take it to a garden center in a sealed bag.

Answer 2

Yes, the 100F temperatures would definitely have something to do with the yellow leaves.  Most plants in the US can't tolerate heat over 85F for long.  Dropping leaves is one defense for them to stay "cool."

Yet yellow leaves could mean a number of things.  Also check to see if the tree isn't overwatered.  Are the yellow leaves on one side of the tree or are the yellow leaves evenly distributed?  Are the yellow leaves only along the lower trunk or further up the crown?  Are there any pests in the tree either boring into the bark or in the leaves?