Japanese Maple Did Not Get Any Leaves This Year But There Are Shoots On Branches And Around Tree Perimeter

Question From: B. Freeman - Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Q: My Japanese maple is over 20 years. It did not get any leaves this year. Last year it was pruned by a tree company. Although there aren't any leaves there are shoots on the branches. Also, smaller Japanese maple trees are growing around its perimeter. The problems started a couple of years ago when there was very heavy snow in my area.

A: Your tree cannot live without leaves so if it does not leaf out it is dead. It was probably the victim of abnormally cold weather. Sorry for your loss. Best Nancy