Hi... newbie here.

I bought a Australian Willow Tree from a local nursery here about two months ago for a drought tolerant project. The planting went well. Within days I saw new growth and the tree looked healthy. Now it's settled into a droopy state that I can't figure out. Here is what I've noticed:

1. The growth has slowed
2. A lot of the new growth tips have turned brown
3. The leaves have lost some of their color (though none have fallen and when pulled, remain strong)

We've had some rains this winter and I've been careful not to water it too much. However, I'm starting to wonder if because it's a new tree, it needs more? Any suggestions on what might be going on? Maybe a liquid fertilizer or vitamin complex for new trees?

Thank you,
Jonathan
Upland, CA

You plant is suffering from drought! Willows in general, a newly planted weeping willow requires 10 gallons of water applied two to three times weekly for each inch of the trunk's diameter. Willows need a lot of water. Because weeping willow roots aggressively seek water, the tree should also be planted at least 105 feet from water lines, sewer lines and septic systems.

This is not a Salix willow, it's a Geijera willow. It is quite drought tolerant once it is established, this takes several years. For the first 2 years it should be watered about once a week in the winter(unless it rains) and twice a week in the summer. This also depends on the soil type with sandy soils needing more water and heavier soils needing less.

This is a willow like daylilies are waterlilies, completely unrelated but sorta kinda similar looking.

Going over this post and I realized that I forgot to thank you for the responses. Tree is doing very well now two years later. This picture was taken after 7 days of 100+ heat followed by some rain. Looks like it'll make it