Several of my trees have brebas and have started to leaf. One tree is doing nothing. I have pruned back branches to where i see green when I gently scratch the bark. However, when I prune, the latex does not run. It is solid. Should I prune back until the latex runs? I know these trees are hardy, should I just give it time? Is liquid latex a sign of life at this time of year in zone 7b and conversely, solid/dry latex a sure sign of death?

We had some major dieback on trees at our new location Spurdo.  Or so I thought.  Being somewhat new to this, I cut back a few of my trees, using the same indicators you mentioned.   I did this a month and a half ago, as things were warming up, but now I wish I hadn't.

Remaining branches on trees that appeared dry and dead are just now sprouting little leaf buds.  Since we're in zone 8, I would think we are several weeks ahead of you.

Dave thanks for posting this - I have 2 trees that are showing - well nothing . I was going to trim , but will wait now until it warms up more here to check for growth.

Let the tree leaf out fully and give it some more time before you prune..  Some tree varieties characteristicly leaf out later than others.  Excel has been one that the stems looked dead and I have pruned in the past to my sadness.  2012, I left the tree alone and limbs that I thought dead had finally begun to leaf out and several brebas are along the stem so give them a little more time.  Many of my trees leaves seem to be full size and  other trees are just beginning to leaf out good.

If it is green, it is good. Probaby just a "late bloomer".

Excellent news from everyone. I wish I was as patient as these trees are hardy. I wait for the winter for cuttings. I wait for the cuttings to arrive in the mail. I wait for roots. I wait brebas and figs. I wait for them to ripen. I guess I can wait some more. The alternative is not pretty.

So today I finally spotted a tiny bit of growth on my Blk Jack and Sicilian Brwn , also noticed the Italian purple/blk had only the tiniest bits coming alive also -hadn't noticed it wasn't breaking dormancy. So at least they are alive, just really slow ! All my other trees are alive and kicking in various stages of growth . Chicago Hardy and Blk Mission are the fullest so far.