I do not see any bark stripped away. When an Acer dies its bark gets lighter like that - you also see it in die back. I think your Acer died some months ago.

Agree there is no stripped off bark on the tree in the photo. When did you plant and have you kept well watered?

Thanks guys I'll try to stick some more photos on...this plant was in fill leaf about a week ago...it still has leaves on but they are all wilted. It has been wet here until about a week ago too - now we're getting glorious weather. There are another 2 acers within tocuhing distance that are both still healthy so I don't think it has anything to do with lack of watering.

Is it in a wind tunnel of getting too much sun? One of our acers lost all its leaves after we had a howling gale which simply shredded them all off.

moon_growe you're right it IS in a bit where the wind can whip through...still looks more chewed than anything though?

I've found an old post where "Sid" has responded that the most likely cause is...slugs:

http://www.growsonyou.com/question/show/11050-why-do-my-acers-keep-dying

If the acer is in a windy spot that will be the problem. Fingers crossed it will come back next year for you. Does it really need that huge support?

Thanks moon_growe...yes we could probably have used a more appropriate stake! I think the plant has had it so it will have to go.

It is NOT slugs it was the gale we had a week or so ago. Lots of people have the same problem. My Acer palmatum dissectum is really frayed wit it and some of my other Acers go frayed and now bold in the northenly gales back in April.

Yup a particularly challenging year... I agree with Kildermorie slugs to not attack acers!