You're probably on the right track. Could also be damage from road salt.

Hey Neil There's nothing wrong with asking that question here. Sugar Maples have leaves that look uniquely to them (once you know how to recognize them). They are broad, medium/dark green, with five points and U shaped connections between the pointed lobes. The only other maple that looks close is a Norway Maple, which can be mistaken while the trees are young since the furrows in the bark aren't developed yet. The biggest differences is that while the Norway Maple has five pointed lobes, the connections are more V shaped and much wider than the Sugar Maple. However the easiest way to tell the two a part is that the Norway Maple has white sap. Break a leaf off at the nursery and squeeze the stem, if white sap comes out, it's not a sugar maple. Sugar Maples are known for their car stopping fall color (red/orange combo) and their longevity (200 years +) however they do leaf up later and drop their leaves earlier than a Norway Maple. Norway Maples are one of the first trees to leaf up in Chicago (only to the buckeye) and are one of the last to change and drop in the fall. They also live a long life (around 100 years). They also turn very bright yellow in the fall. Also go to a good Nursery. I've never seen a Sugar Maple at Home Depot. There are a few up in the Northwest burbs. Now is a great time to plant to get the tree rooted in for a great growing season next year. I hope this helps you out Jeff

Sugar maples were the last trees to leaf out in my yard this spring, despite a very mild winter. Sounds normal to me, particularly if your is showing some green in the buds. Try scratching the bark on some small branches; if you see green, it is probably alive.

It just goes to show you how determined one of these little guys can be. :-) The leaves are of good color and being the tree is trying to produce more is a good sign! Don't worry about the shapes of the leave, juvenile plants can display such features when starting out. I would surround the tree with some protection from the deer, rabbits, mice and for sure the highs winds if you get those regularly. Otherwise, water as needed to keep it moist but not too wet. And don't prune anything, every leaf is making food for the roots and every one counts at this stage of the game. :-)