Sageleaf willow dying

Question: Hello! I inherited a sageleaf willow plant when I moved into my new home a month ago. It seemed perfectly healthy when I arrived but has steadily declined since, with the leaf drop seen in the attached pictures happening in the past two or three days. While I could’ve watered it more, the discoloration on the leaves makes me think of something other than drought—but I’m no Master Gardener! Any pointers would be very helpful! Thank you!

responder: Carolyn H. If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied August 18, 2024, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Here are the conditions for successfully growing sageleaf willow/Salix candida: Environmental Characteristics Light: Full sun   Hardy To Zone: 3a Soil Ph: Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0) Environmental Other: Native across almost all of northern North America. One of the most extremely cold hardy plants, hardy to USDA Zone 1. Very tolerant of saturated soils and high pH. It's drought tolerance is untested but is likely good. Moisture Tolerance: Occasionally saturated or very wet soil; Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil.  As you have stated, the plant was subjected to drought conditions, that may be the cause of this decline. Although there may be some secondary pathologies at work, the cause was most likely lack of adequate water over a prolonged period of time.  See graphic below https://woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu/plant/438 As you have stated, the newly transplanted willow was also subjected to drought conditions, and that may be the cause of this decline. Although there may be some secondary pathologies at work, the cause was most likely lack of adequate water over a prolonged drought period following planting. All newly planted/transplanted shrubs and trees require extra watering and monitoring for up to two years until the plant is established. Learn more here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/  Here is an excellent guide for tree planting.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/planting-tree-or-shrub/  "Monitor and care of new plants - Make sure to keep all newly-planted trees and shrubs well-watered throughout the first two years, even in the winter, as needed, based on weather. Do not water when the ground is frozen. Low humidity, high heat or cold, and windy days cause soils to dry out quickly. Monitor the soil for adequate moisture to determine when watering is needed. Learn more about Watering Trees and Shrubs. - Periodically check the foliage and branches for issues."

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT
response: Hi Carolyn!Thanks so much for this thorough reply! I appreciate your assistance! Would you recommend just watering deeply (but not drowning it) going forward, or do you think any pruning should be undertaken to address the many virtually leafless branches?Thank you!RobertOn Sun, Aug 18, 2024 at 3:25 PM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Carolyn H. If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied August 18, 2024, 4:23 PM EDT
response: Robert,  Please read then follow the instructions in the link of detailed information about how to routinely monitor soil for moisture so you know when and how to water: Watering Trees and Shrubs  Mid-August is NOT time to prune this plant of leafless (but still alive) stems. Scratch stem with your fingernail, if you see green below the outside bark layer, it is not dead.   If a stem is not green, and it snaps off because it is dead, iIt is okay to cut out lifeless, dead or storm-damaged plant material, anytime.   "Pruning may be done in the late winter or early spring. The wood is weak and brittle, and it is easily damaged by wind, snow, or ice. The tree also litters the grounds with leaves, twigs, and branches that require clean-up." https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/salix-alba/

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2024, 4:49 PM EDT
response: Fantastic—thank you!Cheers,RobertOn Sun, Aug 18, 2024 at 4:23 PM The Ohio State University <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Carolyn H. If you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied August 18, 2024, 7:39 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!