HelpfulGardener.com

Hi,

I was reading this post https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=307 after finding it on a search engine, as our beautiful Maple tree is looking very random this year.

We had -17C this winter and we think it has harmed the tree.

Looking on the internet I think it is a

Common Name: Japanese Maple
Latin Name: Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

It has bright red leaves but now half of the tree to the one side has not come into leaf this year , following it down to the trunk it does look like it is one major branch that has the issue but it is half of the tree, it now looks a bit messy but any advice on the "dead" half would be appreciated, it is about 6 foot / 2m high.

I will try and get a photo.

Cheers
Chris

Here is a photo - https://www.wisdenshop.com/Maple.jpg

Hi Chris,
Looking at the photo some branches do look dead,to find out if they are dead or alive give the dead looking branches the thumb nail test,stick your thumb nail into the bark and pull your nail down revealing the branch underneath the bark if it is green it is alive BUT, if it is brown it is dead if it is dead prune it back to a live branch.
koiboy01

Hi,

Thanks for the thumb test, some of the branches are very large and look brown underneath (I test a green ok) , but these are linked to other branches with and without leaves , is it worth leaving them to see if the leaves return?

Cheers
Chris

Hi Chris,
If in doubt leave well alone for a few weeks, you never know, just keep believing.
koiboy01