I just "adopted" my brother's garden to look after and I am trying to identify the willow tree he has in his front yard, down to species. I couldn't photograph the tree, but I removed a new branch with leaves/catkins and those photos are attached. All the ID keys I've found online help me get to Salix but then it all goes haywire. Autumn Willow and Balsam Willow are only listed as shrubs but they seem to be the closest bets. Am I close? Also, I want to prune it because it's lopsided and some of the lower branches are obstructing a pathway. So when I find out what it is, if anyone can offer pruning tips (how and when) I would be very grateful as I've never done this before. The tree is about 12 feet high. Leaves are alternate, waxy green on top and greyish/green underneath, very slightly toothed margins, distinct midrib vein. It still has catkins now in mid-August. The new stems are yellowy/green with a tinge of red and the old branches are silvery grey. Thanks!
