[mrs bouquet]

I think this is what is happening to Mum's tree.  at the division of the main trunk there is a very big patch where the bark has peeled off.  What leaves there are left look scorched.
I would probably leave it, (as the property is for sale) except it is close to the boundary, and if it goes, (will it go?) it might go his way.   He has always hated it, and once resorted to getting much of it cut off when we took mum away on holiday  (sneaky).  At first I thought he had tried to damage it.

Can I save it at all, or will it all have to be dropped.  Your advice will be welcome  (the tree is about 20ft high.)  Thank you, Mrs Bouquet

[mumofstig]

Does it have any of the other symptoms? or is it just suffering in the drought?

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=160

As the house is for sale I'd be inclined to leave it for now, so the new owners can decide what they want to do about it. Plus it seems a shame to take it down while it is still only a 'maybe'