Assessing Health of a Damaged Corkscrew Willow in San Francisco

Scratch Test for Viability

A 30–35 foot corkscrew willow with a cracked trunk (repaired with tar and a crutch) and no leaves by late March needs a viability check:

1. Scrape bark on a twig tip: green = alive, brown = dead at that point.
2. Work down the branch until green appears. Prune off dead wood.
3. If no green anywhere, the tree is dead.

If Alive

• Reduce weight by pruning heavy limbs (hire a pro).
• Water deeply during dry spells.
• Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer.

Lifespan Note

Corkscrew willows are short-lived (20–30 years). At this size, it may be nearing its natural end.