Question
I have a weeping willow that is around 12 years old and at least 35 feet high. This year the drooping branches are a mixture of brown branches with nothing on them to fresh green new branches with foliage. It looks scraggly and not full, with thick foliage branches as usual. What could be the problem?

Answer
Hi Dana:
It is difficult to impossible to diagnose your issue w/o seeing the tree in person. Here are some considerations for you to think about. (1) Contacting a local arborist in your community for an assessment, (2) talk to your local county Extension office about getting someone to make a "house call" to see the tree. (They may be able to pick up on something otherwise not obvious) OR (3) contact your local nursery/garden center-they may have some ideas.

In the meantime, take an overall look at the tree.  Here are a few general questions that may be asked.  Does the bark show any signs of being loose or is it missing on the main trunk near the soil or just above? When did you notice this "scraggly" look developing? Any broken branches that are hanging from the tree.  Any excavations near the tree withing the drip line?  Has anything been sprayed on the tree or applied to the soil beneath.  Has the tree experienced harsh dry/drought conditions over the past 1-3 years?

I am not familiar with weather patterns in your area, but has there been any unusual and/or severe temperature drops over the past couple of winters?

It will be useful to have an idea about the tree history. A history may provide a clue to the issue.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Steve