This cultivar 'Kilmarnock' requires little or no pruning. It's hard to see but most of the brown growth appears to be on branches that have been cut off to give a congested umbrella shape rather than a natural weeping one. It's not impossible that some of the die back has been caused by pruning. I'd remove the dead growth and then stop pruning so the tree for a while can grow to its natural pendulous form. Subsequent pruning to thin out the canopy should be done when it is dormant and cuts should go back to the crown. Bear in mind also that the species grows in damp places so needs consistent moisture in the soil.

Thank floral. We did have a very dry period this summer and then lots of rain. To cut back the dead growth, should it be cut all the way to the branch? Much of the dead growth is from the main branches. It’s very difficult to get under the tree to make these cuts because I can’t even stand up. Do you recommend a particular method?

debra

Cut the dead stuff back until it meets live stuff. You'll just have to crouch, kneel or sit. Personally I don't much like these trees because although cute when young the trunks are often too short. This means that eventually the branches can't weep elegantly without touching the ground.

Would cutting all the way back to the main branches help or hurt? I mean would the tree regenerate like my paniculata when I give it a hard cut back every few years?

debra