Is My Acer Dead?

Question

Have this acer several years, usually budding around now , but nothing yet. No different care or surrounding conditions, so what is the problem?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to see the issue at hand.

You can try the "scratch test" which can help to reveal any life within the tree. This article will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm

Should the scratch test reveal life within the tree, then you can begin to nurse it back to health. This can depend on the species, though, as Acer is a very large genus.

It would seem that you all refer to the "Japanese or Palmate" as Acer on that side of the pond, so I will go on this assumption. These articles will help you with the care of them:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple