Cultivation - What is normal Growth?

[ardaich]

Hi,

SWIM is just wondering what is normal to expect for growing a tree? Do the limbs turn brown and harden at the tips after the leaves fall off during dormant winter months?

SWIM has a tree that grew nicely during the summer, but the leaves fell off (the last of which fell back in Nov). The tree seems to have gone to sleep which is fine, but the tips of the limbs are browning and hardening. This seems to be creeping back towards the main trunk.

SWIM wants to know if there is anything to be concerned about or is this just part of the tree's normal yearly cylcle????

HELLLPPPP SWIMMMM PLEASE