Unknown tree

I took a piece of the leaves to the local garden centre and they couldn't identify this. I'm hoping that having caught the all too brief 'blossom' period that someone might be able to help please ?

 

Could it be a pussy willow?

Cheers, Tony.

 

It is Salix sp.
So yes it is some sort of willow.
Would not like to say which one
Your pic shows the male flowers... commonly called catkins.

 

Cool thanks... I've taken a look at the leaves on Google images and they look the same. When they come out, I'll cross check them again.

My next question, maybe not for this thread... Is what to do with the big beast of a tree. Its grown quite large into an almost coppicey sort of shape. It straddles our party fence with the main trunk being on my side.

 

Hmm! Tricky.
Willows are notorious trees for having roots that seek water.
OR sewerage pipes!
They can cause mega problems if planted anywhere near foundations or water/sewer pipes.

http://www.balkanplumbing.com/media/Tree-Roots-In-Sewer-Pipe-III.jpg
This may help...

http://www.subsidencebureau.com/subsidence_trees.htm

How near to your house is this monster.

 

Thank you guys... Here's a photo of what it looks like now. Fortunately it is 90 feet away from our house and not anywhere near anyone elses either.

 

In that case it is not a problem to your house.
Willows can be pollarded. See pics.
Would recommend if you decide to do that you wait until next winter.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pollarded+willow&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=U416Ufi7KsHkPN3CgdgK&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=967

http://gallery.nen.gov.uk/asset88975-.html

 

Ooh ! I like that idea.. I think I might be able to have a cluster of pollards as well (if that's the right term ?)

I've got a Rhododendron that needs that kind of treatment too... when's the best time to do that (or should I put up a new thread ?)

 

You can't prune Rhododendrons in the same way as Willows unfortunately. This link may help.