AboutJim Hyland Expertise I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.
Experience 34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.
BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology Registered Forester Certified Pesticide Appicator
Expert: Jim Hyland Date: 5/14/2008 Subject: Cork Screw Willow
Question My Cork Screw Willow leafed out in the spring. We had a late frost and about 6 weeks ago and it has not leafed out again although it does have green on the trunk and limbs though some of the limbs are black.
Answer To determine if the tree is still alive or what part is still alive--start near the top scrape a small bit of bar off the twig if the color under the bark is green the branch is still alive and should leaf out. If the color under the bark is not green (brown) then the branch is dead at this point on the branch. If brown continue down the branch scraping at intervals until you find green or reach the trunk. Do this on other branch to determine if they are dead. If you still have some green branches I would wait a little longer before you prune the dead branches so that you can make sure you do not cut a live branch. Willows will sprout well and the lower branches can form a new tree.
The root system is not dead if you still have leaves on the lower part and the tree will grow a new trunk. make sure you water the tree when it does not rain with 1 inch of water (place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop). I would do this weekly so the root system will grow.
