By Muddyshoes
South Yorkshire,
United Kingdom 
I have an Acer Katsura tree about 2 years old. It was fine last year, but this year it has lots of bare stems from around the middle of the main stem up to the top. There are new leaves from earth level up to halfway but nothing above that. Should I cut it off above the new leaves leaving just the bottom 2 foot, or wait a little longer to see what happens. The branches all over seem to have some fungus or mould on them, but it has always been like that, even last year when it leafed really well. Hope you someone can help.
1 May, 2011
Answers
Thank you Moon grow? for your response. I have taken a photo now, but am not sure how to send it to you. If you know how to do this, I would appreciate your help.
2 May, 2011
Hi Muddyshoes, those don't look like Acer Katsura leaves to me - I'm pretty certain that they are the leaves of the rootstock. Copy and paste this link to see what the leaves should look like:
http://bit.ly/iE23aL
The photo isn't close enough to the tree to see the mould but I think i would be digging it up and out.
MG
2 May, 2011
If memory serves me well Acer Katsura is grafted. What has happened is the actual Acer has died and you have growth sprouting from the rootstock. A photo (you can add it to your question) would help to confirm this and also show the 'mould'. If I am right and the actual Acer is dead you will need to dig it out.
1 May, 2011