Question
I have a lovely weeping willow that we planted in wetlands about 6 years ago.  It has grown remarkably.  Today I was cutting away sticker bushes that were trying to grow into the lower branches.  I noticed that a lot of the lower branches were easily breaking off but just beyond my reach, there are new shoots.  Is it normal for the lower branches to die out?  I didn't notice any bugs, etc.

Answer
Hi Alison,

Yes, it is normal that older branches will sometimes break off.  All is good if the new shoots are developing from the latent buds on the remaining branches.

This is especially the case if there is a lot of brush (or especially vines) beneath the trees that interfere with normal growth.  

Of course all things are relative, so this is a normal occurrence, but to a small extent.  If the extent or intensity of the dying increases, that is not normal, and you should consult an arborist for advice.  But for right now, I wouldn't worry too much.