New spring growth of Japanese maple cultivars is often frost-sensitive.

I have a JP Tamukeyama, It has been in the grden going on 4 years. This years as of April all the branches have what I beive are no buds or leaves. There is one new branch growing from the bottom of the tree with green leaves on it so I can assume the tree is not dead? Should I wait awhile and see if it buds, if not do I cut out all the dead branches?

So I spoke with a horticulturalist at the nursery I bought the tamukeyama from. He said that it sounded like the plant was stressed due to underwatering, since we had a few over 80degree days that week. He suggested watering the plant, every alternate day at the rate of 3gallons in 2mins, and it should take care of the plant.

Did that on day 1, and on day 3 the plant was already looking better. Have continued that routine, but doesnt seem like the plant is doing that much better. Sure the leaves have grown plumper, and the tree looks denser, but not quite last years state yet.

Do I just have a lazy tree?