I have two red maple trees in my front yard. Both were planted at the same time as transplanted NJ saplings when I was a child 50 years ago. They have lived side by side all that time, experiencing the same elements and the same care. Last fall, they looked exactly the same and both seemed healthy.

One of them survived the last frosty winter (as expected) and is quickly filling out with new leaves.

But the other one is devoid of leaves and I very much fear that it is dead.

Why? Why would one tree die and the other live? I see no evidence of trauma or disease, but I am no expert. What could cause this? Is age a factor at all? Do maple trees die of old age?

And might it mean that I will soon lose the other one?

Having grown up with these trees, it is much like losing a brother...

Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.