sick Japanese Maple

[Sue]

I planted a Bloodgood Japanese Maple 6 years ago and it did really well until late last summer when I noticed the leaves died on a couple of the branches...now, the leaves are just starting to bud and it looks like even more of the branches will not have leaves. It's about 8 feet tall now. It gets full sun but little wind and the first 2 or 3 winters we protected with burlap. Any input is appreciated!

[Eeyore]

What zone are you in Sue? I don't know much about Japanese Maple but my first guess would be wind damage or sun scauld and my second either over or underwatering. What does the damage look like?

[Sue]

I'm in zone 5B...attached are some pictures. It might be hard to see the problem b/c the leaves aren't fully out, but you can see the change in the bark on the "dead" branches. They seem to go back to one main branch from the trunk so I'm thinking I need to cut it off?

[Sue]

Thanks, I will try that!