Dying tree, possibly maple ?

This looks like Tar Spot of Acer - its caused by a fungus, and there is no treatment. It does not, though, kill the tree, even though it disfigures the leaves. The fungus can overwinter in dead leaf matter, particularly leaves which have been affected, so I'd be raking up every bit of leaf as it falls this autumn to try to reduce any attack next year. But basically, don't worry too much about it.

Okay, thanks. Is it a maple ?

Yes it is, sorry; Acer is the Latin name for maple.

Thank Bamboo. I have found an interesting article on it. You are 'spot on' ! sorry, no pun intended, initially ! x

I'd claim that if I were you, its a pretty good pun, as puns go!

Claimed ! x

Tar spot fungi affects a number of Acers (Maples and Sycamores). Whilst unsightly it doesn't damage the tree. You can pick all the leaves and burn them if you wish. As for the tree,don't worry about it.
On the positive side, if Tar Spot is present be pleased to know you have clean air. This fungi doesn't like unclean air.

Leaves turning yellow, too much water, too little water,.
Ahh, maybe its because its aproaching Autumn and the leaves are turning ready to drop for winter. In Autumn, leaf fall is triggered be light and cool evening temperatures. You must admit we haven't had the record breaking Summer the forcasters promised, have we?

Twigs dying back - lack of water or something more serious?

I hope this helps. If it didn't, at least it gave you something to read ;-)

Thank you for your response, it was very helpful. Hope your tongue get's used to those chilies ! or is it chillies ! May I ask you a question about Rotweillers ? My 27 year old daughter and her boyfriend have just acquired a pup, and to be honest I was literally having kittens, largely because of the media's take on them ie being vicious. Natalie reassured me that its like any dog, it's about the owner. Have you any thoughts on this that you would be willing to share with me?

I had a friend with a full grown rottweiler, a female - she was daft as a brush, spent all her time trying to work out how to sit on your lap - she'd try it by edging backwards towards your knees and heaving her rear end up a bit so she'd be sort of a quarter on and three quarters off! And loved a cuddle, wanted to be stroked all the time. Big and heavy dogs though.

I had Rotties years ago, 3 of them.
All females, 2 were rescues and 1 a pedigree.
All my girls were soft, soppy, cuddle-seeking beauties !
They socialised with other dogs like any other breed and i didn't ever have a single problem of any type with them.

Don't let the 'hype' on this breed influence your opinions, all animals will reflect the personality of their owners.

If i had the time and space like i did
back then i'd get more in a heartbeat but circumstances change, don't they ? :(

They sure do, Louise, and not always for the better, as I'm discovering now I'm getting on a bit...

Hmmm, it's s b***** isn't it :((

Yea - but I tell myself its all about learning acceptance at this stage, though I have to admit, I'm having trouble with that, having been a bit of a control freak most of my life. Still spend a lot of time swearing and cursing about the ravages of time - I feel as if the elastic's long gone - if only someone would invent a lycra injection!

About Rotties: Ditto to the above comments.
Be the leader of the pack (Rottie is the lowest member of the pack). Children must respect Rottie and not torment it.
Be firm during training, but be patient.
Dont beat Rottie (a voice tone is often more effective as they want to please you), besides which, you'll hurt your hand more than Rottie and you'll end up breaking Rotties spirit (bad!).
Love and play with Rottie.
Exercise Rottie Daily (at least).
Do NOT train Rottie to be a guard dog. Rottie will protect his/her property anyway.
Do NOT allow children to exercise Rottie unattended.
Get Rottie Insured! (vet bills are very expensive).
Don't let Rottie get fat!!!!! (Mine is 9 stone give or take a pound or two and folk tell me he's a huge [tall] Rottie! The vet tells me, Bud is the correct weight for his size and don't let him put on any more weight). I've often heard people say their Rottie is 11/12/13 stone. What they mean is they have a big fat Rottie.
BTW, EVERY Rottie owner has the best Rottie, bar none!! EVER!!
Bud loves going to the vets (he loves meeting people).
He loves rockets (Fireworks), and won't settle on bonfire night until I take him out to see the fireworks. After the fireworks you can see by the look on his face that he has thoroughly enjoyed himself, then he'll relax, even have a nap.
He loves to chase aeroplane vapour trails, slow moving clouds and low flying birds that overfly the garden.
He avidly watches animal programmes on TV.
Bud doesn't like ladders, he barks ferociously at them but won't go near them. (scairdy cat).
He's unsure about umberellas, cloaks and backpacks (changes your shape?). Dracula, beware of backpacking in the rain!
Bud Loves kids. The younger the child, the more gentle he is. Nuff Said?

I hope this helps to put your mind at ease. If it doesn't... I've failed and let all those Rottie fans down :-(

If I've upset anyone about fat Rotties...well the truth may hurt but it's still the truth. ;-)

Stjohntongue, i love you :)))))
You know your Rotties :)))))))

They are SOOOOO misunderstood and their popularity amongst certain people led the breed to get a stinking reputation some years ago, which is SUCH a shame because they really are gentle giants.

(mine were never overweight either!)

Yeah Louise1, Bud is my second Rottie. Boss, his predecessor was given to me as an seven week old pup who was going to be put to sleep just because he was blind. My thoughts on this was, hes never had sight so he won't miss it.
I took him down to the vets to get checked out and to get his shots. Diagnosis; Boss's eyes hadn't fully developed in the woumb, he might be blind for the rest of his life, or he may get some sight, or he may get his full sight, only time will tell.
Turns out Boss developed some sight. At 18 months he was diagnosed as epeleptic ( which when he was 6 1/2 years old caused his death) which would require expensive drugs for the rest of his life and for the last two years of his life the drugs alone cost £50 per month.
Boss was worth every penny. He was suuuch a softy and craved being touched by anyone. Our biggest fear was him getting stolen and at some point having a fit causing him to be abandoned. It never happened of course, but Boss was so soft if you stroked him, he'd follow you anywhere.
Boss was the runt of the litter and at full grown was slightly taller than a cocker spaniel.
His carer and mentor was Max our 6yr old Doberman who didn't like large male dogs but liked everyone else.
It took 16 years to get over losing them before we got Bud.

Thanks for your replies, soz I havent yet responded..been dealing with serious bullying of my 12 yr old with the school and police, and my neighbour had been sent home from hospital very ill, she died this morning, we have been trying to help, I will respond soon xx I love your rotty comments. Back asp. Sugarbevs x

Oh dear, sounds like you've got your hands full, sorry to hear all the bad news. Don't worry about the Acer, it'll live anyway.