Hello,

Do you have photos of the tree, the drip, and what cultivar it is (i.e. Autumn Blaze)?

I believe it is a Tartarian Maple. Attached are pics. The drip down the trunk/branches was only for a week or so in early spring. But one pic shows the stains. I did not notice a source of the drip. Given how much died I don't expect it to survive. It was perhaps not in a great location; too much shade and perhaps competition with liliacs and junipers nearby. I just want to learn if perhaps there is something I can look out for in the future. I have another maple of a different variety that I believe has suffered a little from a soil fungus. 

Thanks

Hi again,

Yes, it is a tatarian maple, and I think the drip is just sap that flowed in spring that leaked through a crack in the trunk. The sap and the darkened area you see in the branches are unrelated.

This tree tends to get some dieback and it may stem to stress or cold temperatures we had earlier this spring. It may also be linked to drought or inconsistent moisture. While this is a lower-water tree, any period of drought stress can affect growth.

You are correct that shade may be a factor - this tree does some shade tolerance but prefers more sun. If you do replace, options that could do better in this location include redbud or serviceberry.