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Many tree problems are associated with the following:

Troubles in the Rhizosphere
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/RHIZO.html

Unhealthy Trees from the Nursery / Improper Planting
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman/sub1.html and
Look up "Tree Planting"
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/RHIZO.html

Improper Mulching - http://home.ccil.org/~treeman/sub3.html and
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/M/index.html Look up "Mulch"

Improper Pruning
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/tree_pruning/

Improper Fertilization (See A Touch of Chemistry)
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/CHEM.html

Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Arborist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.

"BE" wrote in message
...
Howdy all, got a small problem here. Seems that my sugar maple (?) has a
dead/dying branch/trunk. This south facing branch has broken and dried
bark. The upper off shoots and leaves are almost non existent leaving a
somewhat open area now.

Should I just cut the branch off below the visible problem area or, cut
even lower? Or, call a tree expert. This tree gives us some much needed
shade in an otherwise sunny yard and it is much beloved by my wife. It's
always been a very full tree, still is except for the dying branch?

All feedback welcome.
Pics he http://www.pbase.com/hiker/tree