Learn / Ask The Landscape Professional
My small Japanese Maple Tree is suddenly half dead. What happened?
Answer
Most likely, your tree has contracted a
fungal disease called Verticillium wilt. This
is a soil-borne pathogen that invades the
tree generally through the root system
although it can also enter the tree through
above-ground wounds. Young Japanese
Maples are particularly susceptible to
Verticillium wilt, but all Japanese Maples
that get it will die within a few weeks to a
few years.
You might first notice it as bud failure on your Japanese Maple in the spring
or wilted or smaller than usual leaves, followed by die-back of the branches
in whole sections of the tree. There is no organic or chemical cure. Your only
option is to remove the tree and to burn it or have it burned to destroy the
fungus. If you elect to prune off the dead branches to keep the tree for a while
before it completely dies, disinfect your pruners with every cut and burn the
branches you trim off. Also, clean off your boots before leaving an infested
area.
Once the Verticillium fungus is in your soil it is virtually impossible to eradicate
and it will last for years. For that reason, if you want to replace your Japanese
Maple, replace it with trees that are not susceptible such as any conifer, birch or
dogwood.
If you need help removing and properly disposing of your infected Japanese
Maple and planting a suitable replacement, give us a call.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
