japanese maple

[Vandora Lawn & Landscape]

A customer has a japanese maple with about 75% crown loss. The tree is 15-20 ft tall. With lots of dead limbs. There are a few branches with foliage remaining. Any suggestions? Take her down?

 

[treeclimber165]

Unfortunately, most homeowners don't call for help untill it is too late. Regardless of the cause of dieback or if it is treatable, 75% of the tree is still dead. Even IF it could be saved and pruned back to green wood, all you would have is an ugly stump that wouldn't grow properly. Cut it down, find out why it died, and plant something else nearby AFTER taking steps to prevent the new tree from suffering the same fate.

 

[Deere John]

I agree with 165 above. I have tried to cut them back and have 'saved' the tree for the people, but it doesn't look good in my opinion.

I have noticed this alot with Japanese Maple - I can't think of another species prone to this dieback.