I'm not an expert but perhaps the Japanese Maple hasn't fully budded yet? Some of my Japanese Maples have leaves on parts of the tree and several branches are still bare and haven't budded yet.

Can you post a picture of the tree trunk?

I took pics and a branch to my local garden center and they say the tree is stressed and there's no chance to save it. I'm not sure if they even know because they immediately tried to sell me a plant to replace it. I would very much like

To save it, I found out from neighbors this tree was planted in memory of someone who is deceased. I purchased some FoxFarm Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer which I applied around the drip zone of the tree. All of the trees in our area are pretty much in bloom and my tree still looks like this. I took more pics this morning and will attach them. I also notice some spider webs on it and took a pic of something that was hanging from one. It's the fourth pic down. Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help!!

Unfortunately, that tree has some serious issues and your garden center people are very likely right......I seriously doubt it is salvageable. However, unless it is something immediately obvious, it takes more than a cursory glance at some photos to determine the exact cause. You really DO need to take samples into your extension office or a path lab for a proper diagnosis as some JM issues will preclude replanting with another maple (as well as various other plants) in that location.

A couple of other notes:

1) you never want to fertilize a plant that is stressed or suffering from disease issues....they can't metabolize the fertilizer properly and it only serves to further the stress.

2) JM buds form in late summer/fall. They should be very obvious once the leaves fall as little pointy buds at each growth node. They will develop as winter passes and eventually emerge as leaves in spring but exact timing is very individual tree-dependent.

3) If you do anything now, all that should be involved is to remove any dead wood you see - it will appear as pale gray compared to the dark red of healthy tissue - and clear off the stubs (always prune back to a branch junction - never leave stubs, as they are an invitation to both insects and disease problems) and water as needed. NO fertilizer!

I understand your wanting to save the tree but IME, JM's that look like this are no longer viable.

I took some samples to my extension office and have attached the report. I noticed today it does have quite a few

New buds in some places so I am keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your help!

Did you apply weed killer to the lawn?

Hi Guys

The tree does look at little Sparse and is probably not the best Example in the world Shapewise even though you may have a sentimental attachmant to the JM

If the tree is no longer Viable as mentioned by Gardengal at the end of April then perhaps a replacement is the best option here.

Maybe an Example with a fuller Canopy would look nice in this location.6 Pictures above were found from Google Images.Despite these being Mature Trees there is no reason one cannot be grown similar if given the right Care,Love and Attention.

Stephen Cheshire UK

I just moved into this house 3 months ago. I haven't applied weed killer but I know the previous owners did have a lawn service.

The reason I asked is because your lawn has no weeds in the picture. Weed killer can cause damage to trees planted in the lawn or adjacent to it.

What is the pipe coming out of your basement? Sump pump?

Where does the water go from your downspout located on the corner of your house? I see it goes into a pipe, but where afterwards?

The pipe is a sump pump, it runs downhill and not into the root zone of the tree. We won't hire a lawn service, we will kill the weeds on an individual basis. Hopefully it will make a slow recovery.

I can understand your pain, my beautiful JM is also dying this spring! The problem with mine was root girdling form incorrect planting. The roots should flare out and mine didn't. It looks like yours doesn't either. Dig some of the mulch away and see if the trunk flares as it should.