I have a young Summer Red Maple Tree that I planted in October 07 - 7ft at the time. Last year at this time, the tree came out of dormancy and bloomed nicely. This spring, for some reason the tree has leaves growing only at the bottom quarter. There are very few leaves in the middle and none at the top down to the middle. The branches where there are no leaves look healthy and are reddish. I am wondering since we had a bad winter this past year here on Long Island, NY if the tree is in shock or if it has not come out of full dormancy as of yet. It is totally weird to see only a 1/4 of this tree with leaves on it. The tree is now about 9 feet tall.

I really am wondering what the issue is with this maple tree.

Don

I am wondering since we had a bad winter this past year here on Long Island, NY if the tree is in shock or if it has not come out of full dormancy as of yet.
DonThat's a tough one, it would depend on your exact local conditions. Your tree may be starting "Maple Decline" see here http://www.ccenassau.org/hort/fact_sheets/e208_maple_decline_jan03.pdf

Cornell has an excellent site for Long Island here Index CCE of Nassau County (http://www.ccenassau.org/hort/html/section_index.html)

A newly planted tree needs about two years of TLC. Give it plenty of water during this time. Since you just planted it in the fall of 2007, I'd give it some time before you declare it dead.