Question
my 2 year old kilpatrick willow has an orangy powder on some leaves,they crinkle up and die.This is a memorial tree and means alot to us, please give me advice on how to save our tree.I have lots of fruit and other willow trees and this is the first Ive noticed this,also advice on how not to spread this disease please.
Regards Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle, You may want to look up more information on your willow tree.  Below will give you an idea of what the problem is.  kathy

Willow scab caused by Venturia saliciperda. Willow scab attacks current year leaves in the spring, rapidly killing them. Olive green velvety spore masses develop along the veins and in spots on the underside of leaves. Small shoots are killed when the fungus grows into the petioles. Black canker usually infects leaves and twigs later in the season than scab. The cankers most often appear at the nodes underlying petioles. Leaf blades that become infected turn black near the base. Leaves will shrivel and drop prematurely. Control consists of pruning out diseased twigs, raking up fallen twigs and leaves, and avoiding overhead irrigation to prevent splashing spores to uninfected tissue. Avoiding stress by keeping willows properly watered is important in reducing the incidence and severity of both these diseases. Maneb and captan have been used as chemical controls, but the large size of willows make this impractical for most homeowners