From the photo, looks like this might be growing in a container? If so, how long's it been in the same container, and how large is the pot? I;m thinking pot bound here. Also looks like some kind of damage to that particular stem, because there's a blackened area about halfway up. Have a look at that area, but I'd cut that stem back to healthy wood - looks like it might be a bit black and sunken nearer the base too.

me to id cut it out to .

Thanks folks, well I was going to add that the leaves the last couple of years were bigger and greener. smaller and redder this year.
Yes correct it is in a container and has been for about the last 3 years. Its a large one 15'' in diameter, the largest i had and the tree itself is now about the same hight as me now so do you think I need a bigger one and how big?

Also the affected stem seems to be ok and still alive just a small patch lower down thats a bit blackish but above it is ok, still cut it back?
Would you like a couple more pics of the affected area?

Cheers and thanks

I'd cut it out, don't know what caused the damage. The leaves are smaller and redder because the plant has outgrown its pot big time - this means it can never get enough water because there's more root than soil, so nothing to hold onto water long enough. Either needs a bigger pot, or putting into the ground -if you choose to do the latter now, cut back the topgrowth by a third, and make sure you tease out the coiled roots and keep well watered.

here here .

Thanks folks, well cant put into the ground so need a bigger pot will investigate. Whens the best time to repot, wait till the end of the seaon or do it now? or even at the start of next spring

id do it now considering its root bound and get as big a pot as possible maybe 30" the biggest one if you can and still water quite well .especialy when you move it it is worth putting the plant and container its in now in a bucket of water for a while.

I wouldn't wait, it doesn't look well! No reason to wait anyway, as its in a pot.

Ok folks and thanks, saw a huge pot in wilkinsons today so will measure up and get it into something bigger

my thaughts egsactly bamboo

sounds good stevie