What’s the problem with my maple tree?

QUESTION:

I have a 6-8 year old Maple Burgundy Bell tree. I have limbs that came out normal and now appear to have curled up and died. It is not all on one side or the other and most of the tree looks fine except for that. I checked for bugs or and fungus and can find nothing. I know this is not a lot of info but anything you can tell me would be appreciated. Thank you - Pat

ANSWER:

Without seeing the leaves it is really hard to tell what might be going on. Curling could be a result of herbicide injury from drift or aphid feeding. These would be less concerning. But when you say they are dying that is more of a concern. Are the stems (branches) healthy or are they in decline also? Just foliar is less of issue but if the vascular system is gone then the tree is in more trouble. This could be from a number of issues. Has anything changed around the tree over the past few years? Is the trunk in good shape? Any damages? Would it be possible to post a photo of the foliage? - Dennis Patton

This story was originally published May 13, 2016 at 8:55 AM.