Whats wrong with my Weeping Pussy Willow Tree

Question

We have a well established pussy willow tree in our yard that did not bloom this past spring and has appeared to be dying all summer long. All of the branches are brown an never had any green at all this year. In previous years it has been full of green leaves during the summer, but this year, it has stayed brown with bare branches all summer long. It has been excessively hot here all summer. There are little sucklings growing at the base of the tree, but no other green anywhere. We dont want to cut it down if it can be saved. Please help.

Answer 1

You need to first determine if the plant is still alive. It may have succumbed to winter cold and wet. It happens sometimes. This article will help you determine that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm

If it is still alive, I would suspect that it has a fungus that is keeping it from growing leaves. Treat it with a fungicide.

In regards to the suckers, this is a common reaction to stress in trees and shrubs. It is the roots trying to throw out a lifeline of sorts. If the top is dead, the suckers indicate that the roots are still alive and you can let them grow to replace the plant. If the top is still alive, you can remove the suckers and they will likely stop appearing once the fungus is cleared up.