try repotting it .. and check the compost for bugs... j. acers in pots can suddenly die, if there are new buds you could try pruning back to these and see if it helps i don`t see that the stones should have been a problem unless they where covered in weed killer of course..

Frost or sudden cold winds can do this - the new, tender leaves open and then the temperature drops (as it has noticeably in the last week or so) and frost catches the new leaves and they shrivel and die. The plant should recover eventually if it is just frost/cold damage.

Thank you for this advice. Do you know what food Acers like. Is it the same as magnolias ie acid erechacious or tomato feed.

Definitely not tomato food, that's okay on annuals and things you want to produce lots of flowers, but not on foliage plants like an Acer. Feed with Miracle Gro general purpose, or just stir in some Growmore granules into the top of the compost.

Thank you for that advice. You sound like an experienced gardener. I am always in the garden but I find some things very difficult to understand and books don't seem to help. Thanks once again.

Been doing it for a living for nearly 30 years, Ackers!

Thought so. Wish I lived next door to you. Better than all the books.

Not sure I'm that good a neighbour, Ackers, lol!