Question
We have a Japanese maple tree that has been planted for at least 5 years. Last summer it was infected with beetles and the leafs fell off. Now it's not showing any signs of leaves and the branches and truck is turning white. Is there anything I can do to save it?

Answer
First determine if the tree is still alive--start near the end of a upper branch and scrape a small bit of bark off the branch if the color under the bark is green the branch is still alive at this point on the branch. IF the color is not green (brown) the branch is dead at this point on the branch. If brown continue down the branch to the trunk scraping at intervals. Try other branches and if all all brown the tree is dead and should be replaced. Since it it early in the spring you might wait a few weeks and see if the tree will sprout from the roots if it does you can cut the dead off and let the new growth be the new tree. If it doe not replace the tree.
Sorry but it does not sound too promising.