Question
Hi Jim,

I live in southwestern PA and the past winter here was just brutal. Wind chills at times went to -30 and temps were in negative numbers for weeks at a time.
We have 4 year old Coral Bark Maple that hasn't begun to bloom yet and I am concerned that due to the extremely cold winter,it may have died. The coral color is still there, but I did notice that the trunk is cracked some and is peeling. I'm not sure if I see buds, or if it's just wish full thinking, but it does look a little fat on the ends of the branches. I thought though that by now I should being some leaves on it. I cut a twig off, just to see if was green inside, but it was not, but I must admit I don't really know what the inside color should be. Can you give me your opinion please? I would hate to remove and replace a tree that is alive.

Thank You.

Helen

Answer
I would first check and see if the tree is still alive. To determine if the tree is dead check one of the highest branches you can reach--start near the end of the branch and scrape a small bit of bark off the branch--if the color under the bark is green the branch is still alive. If the color under the bark is brown the branch is dead at this point on the branch--if brown continue down the branch scrapping at internals until you find green or reach the trunk. Try other branches and if you find no green the tree is dead. IF the buds are alive then you should have some leaf out by now. If there is no leaves budding and you can not find any green Then then the tree sounds like it is dead. Sorry.