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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: Plant ProblemsSalix flamingo tree.

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Salix flamingo tree.

#1 · 21st January 2025, 3:02 pm

I've posted on this tree in my garden before but I've just taken a photo this morning and wonder what you think my course of action is going forward .

I don't think it looks great at the moment , but need more advice on when to start using fertiliser on it.

I've also added a photo from last June 2024.

Uploaded files:

#2 · 23rd January 2025, 5:00 pm

Hi @tolkienista37

Thanks for the follow-up to your previous Salix question here.

Looking at your photos, it looks like a large part of the Salix (Flamingo willow) is dead, unfortunately!

I can tell by the very dark brown, almost charcoal steam that has no new growth and the bright red soft stems of the living part. Even with a skilled arborist, I doubt there is a way to save it and to be able to save it, as it's a grafted tree to keep that form!

Sorry I can;t be the bearer of better news. Here's my guide to 10 fantastic small garden trees though to replace it.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja

#3 · 23rd January 2025, 5:23 pm

Thanks @ Lee Garden Ninja for your reply.

I must admit I'm not really surprised by your assessment of my tree as I'd gathered much of it was dead wood, but of course I'm disappointed as I thought I was looking after it properly, but the tree had other ideas!

Thanks too for the suggestions you've added, I'll have a look through those and decide what to do moving forward. All the very best and thanks again for getting back to me so quickly, much appreciated.