Dead Leaves Under Pussy Willow Tree

Question

I trimmed what looks to be a dwarf pussy willow in my yard last year. This year it came back with the pussy willows on the top branches in the spring but the under branches are all brown and dead. Should I remove these branches closer to the trunk? It is also leaning, as it is on a slope, so I have it staked with two pieces of wood and a bungee cord. I used the large shears to trim just the ends of the willow to allow air flow under it. Is this ok? I sort of made it look like an umbrella.

Answer 1

Yes, I would remove the dead branches. For more info on pruning these trees, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/pussy-willow/how-prune-pussy-willows.htm