Question
we used to have 3 crimson maples on the south side of our house about ten
feet or so from our driveway. the soil we have is 100% clay but that hasn't
affected any of our trees except these. a few years ago two of them died for
unknown reasons. i think it was because the spot those two were in had too
much water. the one that hasn't died barely grows at all, however it is in a
spot with much less soggy soil conditions. i don't think it has an insect
problem but we have had this problem with a red maple that wouldn't grow
and eventually died.
do you know any way to revive the tree?

Answer
Work the soil up around the tree about two inches deep and out to the dripline, but dont cut any roots if possible.  Fertilize the tree with a tree and shrub fertilizer.  The soil is probably compacted is the reason for the poor growth.  Loosening it up will help aeration and fertilizer absorption.  Good Luck.