diff --git a/src/resources/extensions/gsd/auto-start.ts b/src/resources/extensions/gsd/auto-start.ts
index e7d0bb837..695d948fe 100644
--- a/src/resources/extensions/gsd/auto-start.ts
+++ b/src/resources/extensions/gsd/auto-start.ts
@@ -208,8 +208,9 @@ export function auditOrphanedMilestoneBranches(
         // Try git worktree remove first (handles registered worktrees)
         try {
           nativeWorktreeRemove(basePath, wtDir, true);
-        } catch {
+        } catch (e) {
           // Not a registered worktree — expected for orphaned dirs
+          logWarning("engine", `worktree remove failed (expected for orphaned dirs): ${e instanceof Error ? e.message : String(e)}`);
         }
 
         // If the directory still exists after git worktree remove (either it