AusBonsai

Think I know the answer but seeing if those more in the know with maples can say so ... more definitively?

I repotted this tree for a friend in 2020, in between lock downs. It wasn't pot bound but looked like it'd been over watered. Thought a fresh mix would help.

It was as leafy last year, though was looking OK.

Found out the other day, it had lost its leaves end of February, not sure if it was a sudden drop, or colour change, then drop.

My friend then repotted it about a month ago, as he thought it's not absorbing much water, as it drains right through. Apparently, not much more roots than 2 years ago. It'd expected it to be more on the pot bound side.

I tried scratching the trunk, not very green though soft and light brown, so maybe still alive?

No buds that I can see, pics below:
So ... is it still alive and got a chance to pull through the winter? If so, what should the care be? Just water when needed? Any feed? Sun, extra sun, less sun? Or slip pot into a much bigger pot, or in to the ground?

Any help, much appreciated.

- Daniel

Very hard to tell at this time of year but the shoots look withered.
Brown under the bark is not a good sign. Given the history I'd say dead by now.

Repotting is not likely to help. More interference is likely to do the opposite.
If you have the space and inclination just put it somewhere it will get water when needed and see what happens in spring but don't hold your breath

leave it until spring - but looks like "this is a dead parrot"

Yep +1 on it having moved on to the after life and possible reincarnation as a seedling in Shibui’s garden later this year.

Thanks all, OK ... so leave it until Spring, will let my friend know. Will post updates when I can.

Thanks again!

Try the old scratch test. See if anything is actually green under the bark.

Did a little scratch ... not so green