Not sure I have seen this one before. Sub-par pictures, but hopefully somebody will be able to pick it out by the white midvein in the leave and with the bark.
Kinda what I was thinking... She said she thought it was something Japanese. Pretty funny, the previous owner stopped by one day to tell her they were pruning it wrong! (I'd prune it like I'd prune any other tree...but if there is something special I am supposed to be doing...).
I told her should should have told the previous owners she would have appreciated it if they had pruned her Pyrus calleryana correctly (or at all)...they are due to fall apart the next time the wind blows.
Makes me feel 'less clueless'! With some digging I can usually get it, but I am lost.
I am in northern Ohio and this tree is still in good shape after two tough winters, so I'd say it is at least a zone 5 tree if that helps narrow the search. I am going to a nursery to pick up some trees tomorrow, so I'll bring pictures and ask them. Will report back if they know.
Mystery solved... The client said the previous owner left them a note saying it is a Hakura Nishiki Willow - which makes it the biggest dappled willow I have ever seen...and far exceeding what the literature says the tree size should be. Also, missing some of the specking you'd expect on the leaves. I'll get better pictures in a few weeks when I go back to prune it - she just called today to ask me to do the work I bid. Of course it probably won't have leaves on it by then.
They just guess on the sizes anyhow with hybrids. I've taken out way to many trees that have out grown their expectations.
Old Soul put that damn weeping Arctic willow out of its misery. Along with that birch you planted right against your shop