I have had a beautiful weeping japanese maple that had leafed out this Spring with little die back. Several days ago I noticed that the leaves seemed wilted, but was in a hurry so did not investigate at that time. Today I did, the leaves are now dried and crumply! The soil is well drained, and has not been dry here at all. I did notice several little scratches on the trunk, I assume from one of my cats! Could this be the problem. I have protected the trunk now with plastic tree trunk protector, but is it too late?