Question
Hi Jim,
I reside in Southwest Michigan and purchased a Royal Empress tree last June- the tree did exactly as expected shot above 11-12ft with huge beautiful leaves. Upon first freeze she lost all her leaves as well as branches rendering a pole.  Fast forward to this unseasonably warm March and there from the javelin appeared several leaf buds all up and down the trunk followed by unpredictable Michigan weather/frost killing off all the new growth. Upon inspection now the upper 2-4ft of inner bark when scratched reveals a brown mushy like appearance-I preceding to hack away until just above the healthy green inner bark layers. Is my tree dying? Will it sprout new growth from the trunk? Do I need to chop it all the way to the ground? What is my next step? I was so excited getting this tree and now I'm worried I've bitten off more than I can chew.

Answer
No I do not think the tree is dying. The cold weather did set it back. Hardwood trees have the capability to re-sprout after part of the tree dies. The roots system is good and will sprout new growth. I would stop just about the green part of the trunk and let it leaf out there. Michigan is on the upper fringe of this trees growth zone but can survive there. I would do nothing more just let it grow. I think by summers end you will not be able to tell the difference.