Q.Sunset maple tree
Our Sunset Maple tree top is budded but the lower part is not. The tree is 8 or 9 years old. What can I do to help this tree? Another Maple tree we planted the same time as this one is fine. We noticed last summer some of the lower branches/leaves were not healthy and some leaves looked dried out. We always water with soaker hoses in about a 5 foot radius around tree in summer when there is an extended dry period.
If the other Maple tree is a good distance away from this one, your Sunset Maple could be suffering from Verticillium Wilt.
These articles might help you narrow down exactly what's going on:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-leafing-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/verticillium-wilt-treatment.htm
Good luck, and let us know if you have any more questions!