I over fertilized my 3 years old weeping willow this spring. All leaves turned brown and fell off. Is it dead?

Question

I trimed it way back hope to promote new growth. Nothing yet.

Answer 1

no, defoliation is not fatal.  wait some more

Answer 2

how long ago did this happen?

it sounds like you may have overdone it with the plant food.  if this is the case and the roots burned, it may be fatal.  

the answerer above is correct in that defoliation is in itself usually not fatal.  most plants can leaf out two or three times, like if new leaves get frozen off in a late spring.  however -- root damage severe enough to cause defoliation is much more serious.

if you have had no new growth in say, a month -- probably it is toast.  however I have seen willows sprout from -- get this -- willow wood chips in bark mulch.  so the answerer that says inspect the bark is also correct.

if you look closely at the surface of any twig or branch that is NOT old enough to be rough and "barky", you should be able to tell right away whether the plant is alive or not.  Live willow bark will be green or gold in color, glossy, and it just looks like it has some juice in it.  twigs should be supple and not brittle.

dead willow branches are wizened or wrinkled; orange, brown, or black; and the twigs are dehydrated -- snappable and lightweight.

overfertilized plants can be helped by leaching the excess fertilizer salts away with a really deep watering -- but you have to do it before the damage is massive.  if it has been a while?  probably you are looking for a replacement.  but if the twigs are still alive, it just might surprise you, and yes, it can take a while.  

hope it turns out well for you

Answer 3

Peel the bark back a little bit with your thumb nail or a knife (up as high as you reach); if it's green underneath then the tree is still presumably alive. If it's brown/dry then it may be dead or dying. Try this on more than one limb.

Answer 4

i doubt it ive over fertilized my pine tree and it didnt grow for a bit but its doin good now but a pine tree isnt a willow

depeneding on the size of the tree. try watering it for a while and then stop then start for periods of time becuse you need wash out the extra fertilizer ive heard it from many people