i have 2 matching japanese maples in opposite corners of my backyard, both about 12 years old. one is absolutely beautiful while the other started dying last year. i am trying to uncover the problem and then figure out how i can revive my favorite tree! put in a fence and it may have suffered a minute amount of root damage due to post hole digging for the fence; OR it could be that the neighbors have a very overpowering tree immediately on the other side of the fence and it is sucking up all the nutrients as well as shading my little tree too much. any ideas? had next to no leaves last year, and branches looked very sad. the fence was put in 5 years ago and the tree only started to have problems last summer. please help me with whatever advice you have! i love my tree (i only have these 2!)

 

Here is some information on this usually trouble-free tree.

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/ACEPALB.pdf

Verticillium wilt seems to be its only problem.

Hope this helps.