Pussy Willow Leaves Are Covered With Orange Substance

Question From: C. SMITH - Oddingley, England, United Kingdom
Q: The Pussy willow always has been healthy and productive. I recently heavily pruned it and the weather has been mostly dry. The leaves today are covered in orange ? fungal infection, not white. I do hope that the whole tree does not need to be burnt? I have entered the normal post code/zip code

A: My guess is your plant has a disease known as rust. Take samples of the leaves to your independent garden center sells these plants for an accurage ID and form of control. In the mean time keep the shrub watered so the soil stays moist but not sodden. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy