Question
I have a Globe Willow Tree which I planted last year. The tree is still very young approximately 4-5 feet tall. Just recently, I noticed that the bark on the trunk itself is cracking in several places and opening up. Not sure what is going on here. This last Fall, I noticed that the branches were changing from a greenish color to a brown color from the tips on back. Is this a normal growing process? When do Globe Willows begin to bud and start leafing out in the Spring Approx? I am reaching the end of my purchase guarantee on the tree and not sure if I should dig it up or not. Branches new growth are sprouting out on the lower portion of the trunk but no where else as I have seen in past growing experiences. Please advise. Thanks

Answer
Hi Ben,  Sounds very much like root rot as it has all the signs of it.  The peeling bark and the leaf tips give me the thought of such.  As the plant is growing up at the bottom it also sounds like you lost most of the tree and will continue to go down hill.  From over watering it has given the tree a fungal disease.  If you can get your money back I would do so as the extent of the damage is great.  You could have used Atomic Grow to help and cut off watering for a few months to help the tree heal itself.  But again I feel it is too late.  kathy