Question
I have a maple tree about 9" in circumfrence (fire maple?).
Anyway, every year about this time the leaves begin to lose their color, turn brown, curl up and die.  It starts at the top of the tree and at the extreme ends of the branches.  Not all the leaves fall off but many do.  I was told it's because of too much water (some clay soil) or because the soil is not acidic enough.  Either way, I can't figure it out.  It's been dry and the tree still has the problem.  I've added miracid and still the problem.  I'm not sure what the issue is.  Also, considering the roots are shallow wouldn't moisture be less of a concern?
Any ideas?
Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Mark, Physiological leaf scorch is caused by water evaporating from the leaves faster than it can be replaced.  Soil compaction, drought and poor root development can cause this problem.  Your description sounds more like bacterial leaf scorch.  Its caused by a bacteria that clogs the vascular system of the plant which results in the same thing as above.  There is no cure.  Normally it progresses over a number of years until eventual death.  I'd plant a tree nearby to ultimately replace it.  Jim