"Hard" maple is terminology most often associated with woodworking rather than with tree growing :-) Your maple is most likely a sugar maple, one of the couple of species that is known for its hard wood. It's a bit difficult to speculate on possible problems just by your description but maples are prone to soil fungal diseases that can cause dieback of various branches. These are often difficult if not impossible to treat and usually result in the eventual demise of the tree. If the tree has value to you, I'd consult with a certified arborist who can accurately diagnose the problem and perhaps recommend treatment to prolong its life.

Thanks gardengal. Is there a way to tell if it has soil fungal disease? If I look close on the bark, there is a green moss lookin' stuff on parts of the tree.

Appreciate your time.

Rick

Not easy to tell visually at this time of year. You could try cutting off one of the dead limbs and taking it in to your county extension office. If a fairly recent occurrence, there are often telltale signs of discoloration that could point to fungal problems. And some soil fungi affect root systems primarily so these are even harder to confirm visually. I'd still go with an arborist's consultation after the tree leafs out. Moss or lichen growing on limbs or trunks is pretty common on well established trees and generally has no ill effect.

Just one thing you might want to consider with the good advice you've already gotten is whether melting salts get into your sugar maples root zone. You mention your front yard - if it is near the street it could be getting an accumulation of road salts from your Ohio winters. In my own area (upstate NY) sugar maples typically grow very well away from roads - but the closer they get to a street or sidewalk where salts may be used, the greater the branch dieback and outright mortality. This has become very apparent over the years.

If you do lose the tree and want to plant another maple - try the red maple (or soft maple). These hold up better to salt damage and street or near street use - and also typically have excellent fall color. The spring flowers are kind of nice too. Of course the final mature form wont be quite as impressive as the sugar maple, should you be so fortunate as to witness it. That's one of the things I resent most about mortality, there are so many things to witness and learn about trees but our longevity is inadequate for it.