Crispy Maple Buds

[Robsterios]

Hello....Some advise please - I recently purchase 2 dwarf maples (advanced) in 12" tubs. One is an Acer Palmatum Komachi Hime, the other an Emery's Dwarf..
Both were budding, the Komachi even had leaves just popping but I was keen to get them into a couple pots and was advised that is should be no worries to re-pot/root prune.
They both went into largish pots as I still want them to grow in the next few years but did take approx 1/2 - 2/3 of the roots off. They are both grafted onto what i believe to be stock Palmatum root stock... They continued to bud and leaf up no worries in the couple of weeks after the pot but we then had a few hot days in Melb. topping at almost 30deg with a fairly strong Northerly wind. Since then, the new buds forming have shrivelled up and gone black. The leaves that were already open seen to still be ok..checking for pests- no sign of aphids or other bugs..
My theory is that having taken a fair chunk of root mass off - and only a small trim of the branches to tidy up, there is simply not enough roots to supply water to the foliage and only became a problem when the plant was a little stressed due to the sudden warm weather where it needed moisture. The mix never dried off and they are in a fairly protected (as much as I could) spot...
Can anyone confirm my theory and if so, my question would be, should I, despite the tree's spring growth - give the tree's a decent trim back to lessen the load on the reduced root mass?
I had done the same, ie, root pruned the crap out of some small Tridents to squeeze them into a shallow forest setting, with only a light trim up top - they are doing fine so suspect it's species specific in this regard.
Thanks for any advice..

[SteveW]

They should be fine, though it may take a while for them to grownew leaves. I wouldn't trim their tops as I don't think this will afeect their recovery. Patience, keep moist, and have faith.

[anthonyW]

I confirm your theory Rob you stuffed up, cut back to good leaf/new bud leaf, treat like baby would you put baby in 30 degree sun, I think you answered your own question mate,serious.