It sounds like something has damaged your red maple tree crown.  Perhaps it was damaged if you suffered from the derecho winds last August.  You say that the tree is not doing well.  If it has large dead branches, if the leaves are smaller than usual, is not growing well, it is in decline and probably should be seen by a licensed tree expert or certified arborist.  I don't know what  county you are from, but usually every county has local master gardener volunteers who will talk  about  lawn and garden issues.  Local professional arborist help can be found at their website: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist

Thank you for your inquiry.  As always contacting your local county extension office may find some specific answers, in your area.

From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 7:44 AM
To: Answer Line <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Question assigned to you (#0016878)

Hi Answer,

Question #0016878 has been assigned to you by SYSTEM (Auto Assignment)

To view/respond to the question, please login.

---

Please join the Ask Extension Experts group in Connect Extension. We will use that group to post updates about Ask Extension.
This message was sent by Ask Extension. If you need help, please visit https://askhelp.extension.org/.