Question
Hello!
I read your recent reply to someone regarding a similar problem, however, my tree is about 3 stories and looks horrible.  The top leaves are turning brown while the bottom leaves still have life.  Is it dying from the top down or is it just shutting down after a dry summer?  I did water it at the drip line a few times but that was after it had already started showing the affects of scorch.  Help!

Answer
Hi there. This sounds like an old tree. It could be drought related. not just from this year but also from previous years. Another problem with some maples is verticillium wilt. You can google this one.also the tree could be in decline from old age.A lot of times when the leaves start dying it is an indication of root failure. Your best bet would be to call an arborist to come out and look at this tree for you.