Maple Wilt
Maple wilt is caused by two different types of fungi, Verticillium dahlia and Verticillium alboatrum. These fungi reside in the soil and starts by working its way into your Maple tree’s root system. From there, it is able to spread via the sapwood all the to the branches of your tree.
Disease Characteristics
The most visible sign of maple wilt is how it impacts the leaves on your trees. The leaves on your maple tree will turn a brown color. This …show more content…
The sapwood is located behind the bark and cambium layer, where new growth is found. If you pull back the bark and new growth on your trees, you’ll see olive-colored streaks on the sapwood. This is not a recommended method of diagnoses maple wilt because it harms your trees.
When the disease is more advanced, the bark on your tree will also appear dead and discolored. It can also change the color and appearance of the limbs on your trees.
Treatment
The best way to treat maple wilt is to prevent it in the first place. Keep your maple trees well-watered but not soaking wet. Fertilize on a yearly basis with high-phosphorus fertilizer that has a low-nitrogen content. Prevent soil conditions that allow the fungus to thrive.
Since maple wilt starts in the soil, if you are not able to prevent it, you need to treat the soil to get rid of maple wilt. A process called solarization, which involves heating up the top layer of soil around your maple tree, is a popular treatment method. It kills the fungus in the ground that is harming your maple trees.
If your tree is beyond saving, a tree professional can assist with cutting down your maple tree in a safe manner. They can also help you take preventative measures so the maple wilt doesn’t spread to other maple trees on your