Better Days for this Willow Tree

Question: I bought a weeping pussy willow tree about 10 years ago. This year it started to bloom then it got cold again and now it looks dead! It has suckers growing off the base so that is alive, but nothing is happening above the graft. Any suggestions on what to do and if it will live?

Answer: Looks like old man Winter finally got the best of this pussy willow. Rodents may have chewed on the bark of the roots during the Fall and Winter and maybe a rabbit near the base of the tree as well. Other than that, I would guess that is got winter killed. Even though it was established, this can happen. If it hasn't leafed out by now, I don't think it will. Suckers near the base of the plant is also a telltale sign that the top part of the graft is dead.