skip to main content

Texas Gardening

Desert Willow looks sick.... HELP!

9 years ago

The picture isn't that great but you can tell that my desert willow has sparse leaves and some are yellowing. It really hasn't bloomed as well this year like it has in years past... I have no clue where to even start...HELP.... it is my favorite... ok ONE of my favorites....

Thanks
Melody

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

houstontexas123
9 years ago
i dont know whats wrong, but i would try and remove some of the grass around it and put a little bit of mulch around the base.
MKull
9 years ago
Hi Melody. Beautiful trees huh, we have two of them. If you're getting sparse and yellow leaves, my first inclination is to ask how much water it is getting. Your grass looks well hydrated so the DW could be getting too much water. They are sensitive to over watering. I'd clear out the grass from around the base by a foot or so and use something to plunge some deep holes into the rootzone so it can get breathe better. Nothing fancy, bamboo sticks, rebar, whatever you have handy. Let it dry out really well and it should rebound...assuming it is getting too much water.
Related Discussions
Dead/Sick Corkscrew Willow
Q
Comments (1)
Just to add, it was girdled by some landscaping fabric from whoever planted it. The fabric had cut in at least an inch deep all the way around the tree. I guess they weren't planning on it getting this large and didn't cut the fabric to allow for expansion. I wouldn't think that this would kill a tree like this, as it seems to conform to whatever it grows around, like the fence. I would estimate the age of the tree to be around 15 or 20 years.
...See More
Palo Verde (Desert Museum) - Bends Over like Willow - Pruning?
Q
Comments (7)
Sorry about the damage to your son's tree. Not fun. I have to say, I am not a big fan of 'Desert Museum' palo verde trees. I know they are the "in" and trendy tree right now and are being planted everywhere, in commercial settings especially, but I think they are awfully lanky and gangly and subject to a lot of wind damage. They're popular because they grow very quickly, and low litter and generally thornless, but that quick growth makes their branches shoot up and look boring and weak (to me). I know, I know, a ton of people have them and love them, and I think the best ones are ones that get regular pruning and not too much water. I'm not saying I'd never try one if I ever moved to a new garden, but I would expect to have to prune it a lot to keep it looking nice and to keep it from getting storm damage and honestly, I just don't think a lot of plant sellers are telling people that part. Your son can prune his to try to create a shape he likes and that's a decent approach. I've seen some very nice ones around town, but again, they're getting regular pruning to thin them out and to make interesting branches. If he replaces it, I'd suggest getting a non-hybrid native Palo Verde if possible. In any case, he can defitely give it a good haircut and see how it progresses. Thinning out and removing a lot of the thin branches will help its appearance for sure. Good luck to him. Let's see what our other members say too. Take care, Grant
...See More
Desert Willow not growing
Q
Comments (1)
I recommend that you post your question, with a picture of the plant, if possible, in the shrubs forum. That's where the shrub experts hang out, and they'll be able to help you.
...See More
Desert Willow
Q
Comments (16)
I live in Alpine Texas and Desert willows are native and very common. The best ones are found in washes and around areas that collect seasonal water. I would enrich your soil by working in some compost. Just a little each year. Stay away from the 21.00.00 as they burn easy. They grow in very poor soil that is very alkaline. It is easy to kill them with too much water.
...See More
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
9 years ago
Also check to see if there has been any damage to the bark from being bumped by a lawn mower or string trimmer.
mellowd_tx
Original Author
9 years ago
I removed the grass and there is a TON of those little tiny ants.... Could that be some of the problem???
lou_spicewood_tx
9 years ago
Your grass is really thriving. I thought Desert willow is a desert plant type. Maybe too much water?
dbarron
9 years ago
I also think too much water...guessing with the grass as a clue.
TexasRanger10
9 years ago
There could be too much clay in the soil and/or not good enough drainage. I don't know about you but we have had a very wet summer here, some of my plants have chlorosis and some xeric plants looks a bit sickly even with good drainage although my Desert Willow looks fine. I can't complain (well maybe I can a little & I usually do) since we've been desperate for rain to relieve the drought. This kind of summer rain is unheard of and the humidity is off the charts. Anyway, one way or another we all seem to be diagnosing its too much water.

I just saw a show on TV where they were saying we absolutely depend on ants because they aerate the earth's soil and help keep it from being compacted. I'd never heard that before so maybe the ants are a good thing?
Candace O'Shea
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Ants can mean aphids, they love their honey dew. I have a young two foot Chilopsis tree just about 3 weeks in the ground and it is yellowing, I hope it was over-watered, because I did water it a lot and that would be easy to fix. The green stems are blackish brown and spotted. It was that way when I bought it and I worried that it didn't look right, but I got it from a reputable nursery. It is blooming like crazy but I'm thinking maybe I should cut off the numerous flower buds, I don't know.

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Paint the Summer Landscape With Desert Willow

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

If the vibrant flowers of this Southwestern native tree don't blow you away, the hummingbirds, fire resistance and low maintenance will

GARDENING GUIDES You Don't Need Prairie to Help Pollinators

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Woodlands, marshes, deserts — pollinators are everywhere

Ideabook 911: I Need Help Staging for Resale

By Becky Harris

NATIVE PLANTS 10 Top Plants Native to the Desert Southwest

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Get a thriving garden despite unforgiving conditions with these tough, unthirsty, sun-loving beauties

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Palo Blanco Softens Sharp Desert Angles

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Willowy foliage and creamy white bark give this tree a delicate beauty, but its constitution is tough

LIGHTING House Hunting? Look Carefully at the Light

By Alison Hodgson

Consider windows, skylights and the sun in any potential home, lest you end up facing down the dark

COLOR Colors of the Year: Look Back and Ahead for New Color Inspiration

By Jennifer Ott Design

See which color trends from 2014 are sticking, which ones struck out and which colors we’ll be watching for next year

DECORATING GUIDES Living Room Features That Never Go Out of Style

These key pieces will help your living room keep its good looks, no matter what's in fashion

GARDENING GUIDES Southwest Gardener's October Checklist

Softer light and milder weather make desert gardens a real joy this month, but watch the water and don't forget to plan

LIFE A Quick Downsizing Quiz for the Undecided

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

On the fence about downsizing? We help you decide whether that fencing should encircle a mansion or a mini trailer

Sponsored

More Discussions

Placing the TV on the wall and designing the artificial stone behind t

1

If anyone still reads here …

5

Costco bareroots in TX -- 2 plants $16

2

Weed Treatment For Bermuda Grass

6

iris not blooming well

8