Hello all - I haven't posted on the Maple site before but am a regular on the rose forum, so I would like to introduce myself. I garden in Zone 5 central Illinois, and mainly grow (you guessed it!) roses and their companions.

However, I do have a Japanese maple that I planted about 5 years ago but I am unsure of the cultivar since I won it at a local school fundraising as a donation by the local landscaping company.

Up until the last year's dreaded Easter freeze, it was hardy; no winter dieback, and was growing well. It is about 4' tall, a dark maroon in color, and appeared healthy.

The tree had already fully-leafed out before the freeze, and lost all leaves afterwards. Most of the leaves did reemerge again within a month, but one tree branch from the main trunk appeared to have been damaged which I did prune off in the fall.

Now to my question: This spring, there have been NO leaves except for two tiny ones on the top of the main trunk. All growth is coming from the bottom of the ground, like suckering growth.

Should I remove this tree? Cut down the entire tree and see what emerges from this growth? Any advice would be so appreciated.

Smiles,

Terry