what is wrong with my Japanese maple tree

Question

I have a Japanese Maple tree in front yard and it has been beautiful every year since we moved in in 2009. But this spring it did not grow leaves on the top branches. At lower branch, some leaves already turn red now, which is way too early (usually all the leaves turned bloody red around Halloween). Could you please help us to get solution on how to save this beautiful maple tree? Thank you very much.

Answer 1

One possibility is that your tree is still suffering from the cold weather stress of last winter. It can take 2 – 3 years for recovery from so much stress. If the branches are still alive, the tree has a good chance to recover. If the branches are dead, they will need to be pruned off. Scrape off the surface bark of the branch with a dull knife to see if there is any green tissue underneath. If there’s green, there’s life. Just take good care of it and it should right itself in time. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-care.htm
There are some diseases that could be affecting your tree: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-problems.htm