Freeze damage

Last week we had a horrible freeze - the temps dropped into the twenties even up here on the hill. My Acer jap. dissectum was hit particularly hard. There are maybe 10 leasves that aren't dead and crumbly. Do I have a hope that it will bounce back? It is a low growing shrubbly thing. The leaves coming up from the graft host look fine, and I've hesitated to break them off in case they are what I'm left with. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

if the new leaves are below the graft cut them off they are not from the tree above the graft - your tree will most likely bounce back - a picture would help.

If you have bark damage as is usually the case with many dissectums that get hit with sap a runnin your tree is likely a gonner . If your tree shoots out secondaries don't get too excited cause if such damage has occurred it is likely they wilt die in short order too. you will know in 3 weeks to a month .. generally speaking Bill is correct and it may force out new leaves up top but it probably doesn't matter..
I have no scientific proof but this is one reason I do NOT like high grafted dissectums .. I think it makes them especially susceptible to this sort of damage ..90% of my trees that died under similar circumstanses during that bad spring freerze a few years back were dissectums .. in fact most of all trees killed were such from reports after that event .. Maybe they are just not as hardy but that long bare unprotected trunk looks like it may be a problem ..... I t6hink any tree grafted above 6" is a high graft .. some are just stupid looking being grafted at 2-3'.. It's just a theroy though but the ugly part still stands IMHO..

This is the whole tree. I guess I wasn't very clear. The whole tree is about 18 inches tall and the graft is 2 or 3 inches above the ground.

close up of damaged leaves

wow that tree does not look well - i hope it bounces back - give it a few weeks if nothing happens by then it is a goner.

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. A little oak tree not too far from this took a hit and it is already putting out new buds. This tree is crunchy - although I noticed today that there are a few lower limbs with leaves. I may just do a heavy prune and see if they can carry it.

i would still wait some time before doing that

I wouldn't prune the tree now either. No point in putting additional stress on it. Just wait and see - no food or more than the usual water.

I'll wait - don't feed or water, let the rain take care of it.

Just a note, my tree is putting out new leaves, which makes me very happy.

that is great kathleen