I have a huge pussywillow tree in my back yard which stands about 35 feet tall. I really don't want to lose it but it's starting to develop a problem where extensive vertical cracks are running through the bark and limbs are dying. Two of the major limbs of the tree appear to already have been badly affected but the others are still normal. Does anyone know what's causing this? Please e-mail responses. Thanks!!

Karl

Reply to post by Karl Matthias, on July 09, 2002 at 15:36:14:

Hi Karl -- Willows are unfortunately subject to lots of problems that could give you the symptoms you are seeing: cankers, frost damage, inherent wood weakness, etc. On top of that, pussy willows routinely develop stem problems as they age, at least up here in the northeast.
A good consulting or certified arborist should be able to diagnose the problem for you, and I recommend that you contact one in your area to take a look at it. See postings from Russ Carlson on this site to find a local consulting arborist, and search www.isa-arbor.com for a local certified arborist. Good luck.