I have a young tree that I believe is half dead. I think it is a dwarf pussy willow tree, and is only about 3 years old. It was very healthy last year. This year, only the bottom half of the tree has grown any leaves. The top half is completely barren, and when I bend the branches, they snap easily. I don't know what caused the problem. Can I simply cut off the top half that is no longer living? If I do this, is the bottom half likely to survive? And is there anything else to do when cutting it (such as some kind of protectant for the open wound) or do I simply cut it off? Finally, is there anything else I should do to help the tree? Thanks so much for the help.
