Question
I live in zone 5 (Oak Lawn, Illinois).  I am on my third dappled willow tree.  This tree is located in a corner of a berm south east of my house with a 6 foot privacy fence protecting it.  Within this berm I have a Chinese maple and lilac tree within the triangle of planting all being at least 7 feet from each other.  When the tree gets first planted it grows fast... winter comes and no growth the next year.  Soil appears perfect and watering is plentiful.  What do you think is wrong?

Answer
Greetings Alex!

It has been forty plus years since I have lived in your zone with my degree in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University in 1970.  I feel I cannot answer your question fairly or correctly, especially since I now live in the Florida area.  I am not familiar with a dappled willow tree nor am I familiar with its growing habits or requirements.  Please ask another expert closer to your area or go to your local nursery, agriculture station or garden center and pose the same question as you have with me. Thank you for asking!

Be In Joy!

JSS