Help, my maple isn’t growing leaves on the branches

Hello,
We planted this Autumn Spire maple last July and it’s now only developing leaves at the base of the branches. We are in EDM Alberta so winters aren’t easy but just looking for advice.

thanks all!!

 

After enlarging your photos as much as I could, I think you should be optimistic that more leaves will emerge from the buds higher up in the tree.

My advice: be patient!

 

Good morning Alfred and welcome to the forum, it does appear you are going to get some leaves alI over the tree looking at the swelling buds.
This year has been the slowest in the UK for leafing out I have ever witnessed in my 43 years of growing maples and I suspect it could be the same for you. So as Margot said, 'be patient'.

D

 

And please keep us up to date, Alfred, because it seems like a very nice tree!

 

Thank you! I was edging on the optimistic side and appreciate all the comments! I will definitely post a follow up.