Maple - some branches not leafing out

[Bonsai206]

Hi! I’m new to the forum, and I’d say I’m a 5 year beginner to Bonsai. I’ve recently found myself really applying more energy in to Bonsai starting last October.

anyway...

I have a Maple who seems to be very healthy and has already grown a lot this spring. However, there are a few branches that are a different color (red) and are not producing many buds and no leaves.

Any direction here will help!
Thanks!
David

 

[Bonsai206]

Here is the tree back a few months ago.

 

[BackyardBonsai]

Those branches without leaves most likely going to die. That is what I hate about JM, they can just kill off branches for no reason.... at least that happened to me and I have no idea why. Good luck with yours but I don't think there is much hope though. As long as it still green, I will leave them alone.

 

[Shibui]

Sometimes infections can affect JM and kill branches but it is far more likely those branches have been too shaded last year. The top is very strong. Apical dominance means more resources are diverted to strong growing upper parts and inner and less productive branches are allowed to die off as they are not returning a profit to the tree's investment. Most trees aim to be the tallest in the forest as quick as possible so wasting resources on lower branches is a waste to them. You must convince them otherwise.
Selective pruning of the outer and upper areas can help prevent dieback.
Regular turning the trees so all sides get full light can prevent weak branches.

 

[rodeolthr]

I agree with @Shibui , I see this same thing in my maples in the landscape all the time. Inner branches either don't leaf, or begin to leaf and then wither.

 

[MrWunderful]

Is that a shishigashira? Those get really congested and need to be thinned out often. And I agree with the other posters, the top has run and its loosing the lower branches. that cultivar is a bit more difficult.

 

[Bonsai206]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll have to decide on what to do with those branches....and pruning.