Good Morning Margaret, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

From viewing your one photo, the limb of the tree looks like it fully leafed out in the spring and still has the dried leaves on the branch in October. The tree is not dead. 

There are several reasons your trees may be stressed. Trees take a long time to respond to the climate conditions. We had serious drought during 2023 and 2022. Were the trees watered during the drought? Is there any damage or wounds on the trunks of the trees? What is growing in the soil around the drip line or base of the trees? 

We had a dry September and most of October. It would be good to water the trees going into winter. 

Please click on the following link to the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about tree care: https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/trees-and-shrubs

Good Luck!

Thankyou for your response! Now I will not cut this tree down and will turn the watering system "ON" . Wait til next year to decide! Only some Hastas at the base.

Margaet's husband,

Gene

You are welcome. Some wood chip mulch around the base of the tree, a few inches away from the trunk will protect the roots in winter, from large temperature fluctuations. The mulch will keep the soil cool and moist. 

Good Luck!