The late bloom time was one of the reasons I suggested a Styphnolobium. Here are pictures I took last year of a Styphnolobium japonicum blooming at the very end of August here in Western NY State. It had fat seed pods a month later. You can compare the images with your tree and see what you think. FataMorgana Trunk Flowers Leaves Tree Seed Pods

I would suggest that the dead branches get trimmed off before they fall, possibly landing on something or someone valuable. Do check out any tree service you opt to use carefully, and try for one that wants to preserve the tree, not one who blithely offers to "clean it up for you"! Anyone who suggests "topping the tree" should be instantly rejected! Sonoma should have a County extension agent, who can help identify the tree - take close-up photos of leaves, etc., or a sample twig with you. They/their office won't be able to directly suggest/recommend a tree service, but you may be able to get a few hints as to reliability and excellence. Look in the phone book under county offices, or go on-line for a state wide listing, to find where the office is located.

I have had the opportunity of buying a few trees from Della over the years myself, and can vouch for all the things that is said about her and her passion for maples. I came to know of Della after a message similar to what David had posted, in this forum or some other forum, and I am glad I got to know her. Like David, I have not met her nor do I get a kick back, but I try to push her name as much as I can to people who want a decent deal and with Della you can bet on it. I cannot say the same of the other maple business that sell on ebay and online. What makes Della different is her passion for maples, without which maples are just trees (I had a friend look at my trees and ask if I was crazy collecting these "stupid" trees). I actually like the way David expresses his opinion, at least it keeps the forum alive and ticking. The last time I saw the word "outed" thrown about was in the "Japanese garden" forum before it sunk. xman

We were lucky in the quad cities region of Iowa/Illinois (Rock Island, Moline IL - Davenport IA, Bettendorf IA) The leaves were only beginning to show and the weather warmed up here otherwise it could have been as bad as those including folks in zone 7 New Jersey, etc who had many plants both killed, and damaged. It was definitely area/region of the country 'specific' for me. My Seiryu I don't believe was even leafing. No damage at all. My Acer japonicum 'Acontifolium' had leaf clusters showing at least 1/2 way from buds opening and pretty much the same as for my Seiryu. I might have had one or two days that worried me. Acer griseum broke bud later than all these and was not phased. There was actually a ton of discussion already here at this forum during spring. A poster here with a vast collection in zone 6 Illinois upon my request noted the following: "David From N. Illinois (Sept. 2007): I was hoping to this spring but the freeze screwed me up it will have to wait a bit...I can only say the ones i would not plant again but even those I might plant in a better spot ( IE: Japanese Sunrise ...the best of the winter color trees IMHO )in the same place ..i think in the right location most any A.P will do ok here ...but it seems more important which ones are the hardiest no matter where they are sited we all don't havbe "perfect spots for them. Also most of mine did survive the freeze but were damaged I really want to see how they do over this winter in their non perfect shape...then , as long as it isn't a extreemly mild winter I will post. As far as last springs conditions some seem to do ok or basically untouchedeven with the freeze but many were covered part or all of the time ...so any comments would seem presumptious. These " seem to be the hardiest Red Baron, Bloodgood, Atropurpureum, Beni otaki. Sclopendrifolium,Scolopedrifolum Rubum ,Koto ito kamachi,Kasagiyama, Berrima Bridge,Musashino,Atrolinear,Fire Glow Emporer 1 ( ???one made it one id just barely holding on 1/20th it's original size, Red spider web, Aka shiragasa sawa, Pendulum Julian,Yubae,Red Dragon ( one made 1 didn't) ,Van de akker,Oridono nishiki, Nishiki gasame, Beni Kamachi, Goshiki shidare, Tamukeyama, Emerald lace, Ukigumo... Remember most of these were covered at least soome of the two week freeze period!!! many others like Shojo mumura and Inaba shidare,Sumi nigashi , Orange Dream, Hupps Darf , Sharps Pigmy,Octopus,Edgdgewood Golden , Omurayama, Raraflora, Coonara Pigmy and many many others survived but I will not say "thrived" Time will tell. As I said this is NOT a good test since in reality most seemed to be fine before the freeze after a rather severe winter with lots of differnt hazzards ...but that was only for about 2 weeks before the freeze!! D" Nice to see you Scott! Dax