Help...I think my Japanese Maple tree is dead

Please help...... We planted a Japanese Maple tree 3 years ago and we never had any problems. It's the middle of April and all the trees around are blooming but not this one. It looks like it has baby buds but no leaves. I am worried that it might be dead

 

The specialists here would be able to help you better what to do if you have some close-up pics, I think.

 

Lot of snow this winter or late cold snap this spring maybe?

 

If it has baby buds it is probably ok and will leaf out later
All of my own trees are massively behind this year in leafing out

 

Sam, thank you. I just spoke with the landscaper that put that tree for me, he also thinks that the tree is dead. He is suprised as I am. He will come over today to look at it and if it's dead he said he will replace it. Still this tree was like my baby, so I am little emotional :(

 

Try the scratch test. If you scratch a branch, does it show green or brown? If green, that branch anyway is still alive.

-E

 

I did that yesterday and it was light beige not green, so I assume it's dead. I still have hope that my landscaper will tell me it's OK, but I just have a feeling it's not. Thank you so much.