Truely Weeping willow

[kirbys1]

We just bought a home in Colorado with a large weeping willow in the front yard. It appears to need some TLC. It looks like previous owners have haphazardly cut several branches, possibly to control the size. Also the tree has been in a flower box apparently for several years that raises the soil around the truck about 2-3 feet from where the natural ground lays. The tree appears to grown from the surface of the flower box soil. It does not look like the soil was added around the base of the tree later. The flower box is unattractive but we are afraid to remove it and have all the soil erode from under the truck of the tree. Many of it's roots are shallow and all over the surface of the lawn outside of the flower box. Another concern is the climate, in recent years Colorado has had drought conditions and often we've had water restrictions, how much water will the tree really need in our dry heat climate. If any one can help me with any of these concern it would be greatly appreciated. We just wanted to improve the vitality of the tree and be able to improve the appearance of the lawn around it. We thought about calling someone in to look at it but we don't really have the finances to hire someone. Is there anything we can do?

 

[antigrassguy]

Is there anything we can do? Can you post any pictures of your willow. It sounds interesting.