Hello!

When we moved into our house in the fall of 2018 the Japanese Maple* in our front yard was beautiful. The next spring no buds came out. And the spring after that, nothing. But, just a few weeks ago I noticed some budding! This is only happening in a few spots, most of the tree is still bare. Is there anything that I can do? Should I prune the branches that aren't showing any activity?

*If this isn't a JM I apologize.