Top dead?

[Luetya]

My Japanese Maple only has leaves growing at the base. Then there is Does this mean my tree is dead on the top and if so should I prune it? If so, how do I know how far to go back? I don't want to cut away anything that's not dead.

 

[ATH]

I'd take it all the way back to WalMart. that tree isn't going to be a good tree for the long term.

Not sure how it was when you got it, but it is planted way too deep in the. What is that behind the tree that looks like cantaloupe rind?

Careful with that poison ivy to the right of the tree...