My neighbor has a mature Crimson King Maple tree that has turned poorly. Just before Fall, about August, the leaves all, wilted, turned brown and died. However, they did not and have still not fallen off the tree. It looks like all the other trees in the neighborhood right now cause they are all losing their leaves but it isn't right. Do you have some suggestions as to what may be wrong and how to save this fellow. It's a beautiful tree. Thanks.

As you have discerned this does not look good for the tree. When leaves lose moisture so fast they dont even fall, then that is not good. It is hard to say exactly what is wrong. could be girdling roots, prolonged drought combined with other problems, verticillium fungal disease. Norway maples really dont like our hot dry summers. Check the branches to see if there is any green left. I would recommend your neighbor get a professional arborist to look at it. They are listed in the phone book. Also next year may want to take a sample to U of I plant clinic.