Recently we planted several new trees, an ash, cypress, weeping willow, crepe myrtles, silver maples and a non-bearing pear tree.

I don't know why Silver Maples are called "trash trees" in some of the articles I have read so please tell me. Also, the Silver Maple is the only one that is sick? The leaves sprouted green and the tips have turned brown. We have "heard" that this is because there is so much potassium in the water. If that is the case what do we do about it?

There also are the sucker branches on the willow tree, and others. What are they and what do you do with them?

Please help.

I'm not trying to beat you up but Silver Maple is a very bad choice for this area. It is susceptible to borers, cotton root rot, leaf scorch, and chlorosis. It does not live long, drops branches most of the time and they break in high wind due to the weakness of the wood. A bur oak will grow just as fast, is native and will last hundred's of years.
Tony M

Silver Maples are also very susceptible to... gravity.

They have weak wood and have the unfortunate tendency to grow big, then break/fall on your house/car/etc.

I'd definitely get a Caddo or Chatung Maple in stead.

Also, when yousay Ash tree, what kind? Just don't say Arizona Ash.

I don't know what kind of Ash tree it is. But it has those sucker branches on it. Do I cut those off? I also have them on the Willow.