Poorly Acer

[oakmore2]

Hi All

Wondered if any of you wise peeps might be able to help. I have a japanese acer in my garden which has been there for about 3-4 years with no problem. This spring I've noticed that a couple of branches are looking great, with new young leaves growing, but most of the tree looks dead. Just dry, crispy dead branches. There seems to be a junction in the trunk (it's sort of bush like as has been kept smallish), where dead tree meets live and happy tree.

I have no idea what has happened or what to do. Cut off the dead bits and hope the tree/bush grows back through the healthy bits?

Any thoughts or recommendations gratefully received! Thanks in advance.

xx

[oakmore2]