Is my Salix Flamingo saveable????

I planted a Salix Flamingo last year and I think our rather harsh winter may have killed it.

It is about 3 to 4 foot high, and up to now (August) there has been no new growth and the growth ball at the top from last year is completely dead. The branches just snap off in your hand and there is no green in them.

I did cut it right back early spring but to no avail.

My only hope is that half way up the trunk, when you scratch back a little bark it is green, and you can visibly see that it looks OK.

My questions are,
1.Is the tree salvageable?
2.Where should I cut it back too....right down to where the green begins?
3.Should I do it now...or next spring

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

Preston, I assume it was a standard or half standard tree? As the top is dead, it is no longer a standard. If there is no growth on the plant above the graft, then forget it. It is a goner.

 

I gather by the graft you mean the area that looks like it has wax on it, wher ethe branches begin?
If so there is no growth above this, and it looks dead for about 2 to 3 inches below then the green starts.

 

Yes, where the waxy bit is is the graft. Below that it is just some bog standard willow. I would dump it and get another.