Black branch tips

[Cianz]

Hi,
So I got rid of my scale problem, just seeing why most of the branch tips are black?
I water when the soil is dry to touch as I've researched.
Could it be because of the dormant season?
I'm from Melbourne, Australia so it's only starting to get slightly warmer these days.

Thanks

 

[Firstflush]

If it is deciduous, yes. Your black tips look like die back too.
You may like this guys channel.

https://youtube.com/c/SamDoeckeAussiebonsaibloke

 

[Shibui]

I assume this is a maple?
All my maples are well in leaf now and it is generally cooler here than Melbourne so your trees will normally be in leaf earlier than mine.
The photos are not clear enough for a good diagnosis but black tips is not a good sign.
There is a faint chance your tree will still grow but I am sorry to say I think it is likely that it is already dead.