The acer.

I had two and they both died last year , you must be doing something right Dan ,is it planted in the ground ? mine where in pots ...

Yes! I'm scared to have mine in pots incase they outgrow them or don't get enough water when I'm not around!

That can be a problem ,I was told the water can freeze in the pots in the winter and thats what kills the roots ..

That's what I've been scared of! plus the ground in our garden is always damp to an extent so there's plenty of water for them!