The first fall we lived here we planted two trees in the back yard. Both were maples and I was happy. I love trees. The next spring they budded. Leaves came and they died. It was the weirdest thing. Hubby and I were both very frustrated. The trees didn’t have a guarantee so we lost out out that.
The next time we planted two trees….this time one maple and one willow. It took me a LONG time to talk Hubby into a willow. He told me they are so mess, why did I want one? I told him I clean up the tree mess and I really like them. Then he said willows aren’t “town” trees. Then everywhere I went I pointed out willow trees to him. So many were in town and so many were beautiful. He caved and I got my willow tree.
We have had it for two falls. I know that as each fall we take a picture with grand kids next to willow to make the trees growth, the kids’ growth and our added gray hairs.
Well spring it here and out willow is just starting to leaf out.
I looked at it and noticed this…see the big lump on it?
Here is a close up view. What is it? Do we cut that branch off? It looks like a hunk of dog poop stuck on it but it isn’t.
I would love some advice on what to do.
We had friends who had a willow and they had trouble with theirs. After about 10 years when it was really getting nice, it died. Ugh. I don’t want that to happen to ours so I want to do whatever is necessary to keep it going.
Has anyone had this happen to them or do you know what it is and what we should do about it?
Check with your county extension office or county conservation. That almost looks like a fungus…now, I’m heading to google…
It is some type of insect gall, I think. Check with your extension office. Some are harmless, but others need treatment.
I think it’s crown gall. It’s a soil borne bacteria. You can try and cut the gall off with a pruning knife but usually it’s recommended that you remove infected plants/trees so they don’t cross contaminate other plantings. Hopefully you can save your tree. I know it’s sentimental.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/Garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/crown-gall/
https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/crown-gall/
Willows are often considered weak short lived trees even under the best conditions. I suggest something like an oak. They are sturdy and slow growing. But in Iowa, I also would recommend your local extension service office for info specific to your area.
I googled black lump on willow branch and I’m wondering if it could be Black Knot – https://www.elitetreecare.com/library/tree-diseases/black-knot/ I hope not, because that doesn’t look too great. :( Good luck!
I agree with all the folks who are not encouraging about willow trees. Short life span, etc. Your county agent is probably the best place for answers and suggestions for trees that do well in your area. Love the idea of yearly picture for size of tree, size of grands and perhaps the number of gray hairs…..
I really don’t know what that black lump is, but I’d cut that limb off just in case it might spread. There is something like that on some chokecherry bushes out behind our place and I worry about it spreading to our fruit trees.
I don’t know anything about the lump, but wanted to add:
My mother planted a willow 25-30 years ago, and it’s still alive! I have no idea if it had any lumps or anything, all they did was clean up the mess
It is in the country, very clean air, Zone 5 (I guess they’re calling us Zone 6 now)