How can you tell if your japanese maple is dead?

To determine if your Japanese maple is dead, check for signs of life by scraping a small section of bark with your fingernail; if the inner layer is green, the tree may still be alive. Look for any signs of new buds or leaves in spring; if none appear, it could be a sign of death. Additionally, inspect the roots for rot or damage, and check the branches for brittleness—if they snap easily, the tree may be dead. Lastly, consider the overall appearance; a lack of foliage and dry, brittle branches are strong indicators of a dead tree.