(September) I have an Amur maple which was planted 8/2002. Looked great every year until now. Blooms are
falling off. The ends of branches are stripped of leaves. What leaves are present on tree are
green. I don't see any insects or disease. It's watered weekly and fertilized annually. What
do you think is the problem?
If the leaves are gone -- not even laying on the ground, I would say something is feeding on it. Many trees are shedding leaves early this fall, as it has been particularly dry, but you would see the leaves. Even with regular watering, trees which like water -- which the Amur maple does, may be shedding some leaves to conserve energy. I wouldn't do anything but continue to water. Then see how the tree leafs out next spring before assessing real damage.