If your Japanese maple suddenly has a large branch, or a pretty big section of the tree that appears to suddenly just up and die. To find out how much water your tree needs check out our watering article. Other drought symptoms include wilting and yellowing of leaves and twig dieback. the tree is about 20 years old. Cracks on Trunks. More than likely it’s Verticillium Wilt. Trees that suffer from drought typically die from the top down and from the outer branches in. Trees often decay from the center towards its outer surface. The success of treatment to declining maples depends primarily on early detection of maple decline, the health of the tree prior to treatment, and its ability to respond to treatment. Some of the most common are: Verticillium Wilt – Also called maple wilt, this fungus is a common and serious problem that can kill trees. Acer macrophyllum, the tree’s Latin name, translates as “maple large leaf.” The leaves are the biggest in the maple world, reaching a foot in width. Signs of Decay. One of the most common maple tree diseases is known as maple wilt. There are several damaging maple tree diseases and pests. This infection starts in the root system and works its way up the maple tree, resulting in cankers and dieback. I had a younger one in the back yard with the same symptoms. It usually starts with some discolored leaves, then the leaves turn brown and crispy and often will not drop from the tree right away. This fungus looks very similar to a maple tree root disease called collar rot, but with collar rot, the bark typically does not fall away from the base of the tree. While maple trees can suffer from a number of general problems, verticillium wilt seems to be the most common and dangerous disease plaguing maple tree owners. what is this? The fungi that cause verticillium wilt affect the tree's vascular system and causes symptoms of wilting and yellowing leaves that are concentrated in one particular area. Acer macrophyllum, the tree’s Latin name, translates as “maple large leaf.” The leaves are the biggest in the maple world, reaching a foot in width. Pruning a maple tree to create a nice shape and structure is best done in the late winter/early spring when the tree is dormant and the branch framework is visible. The causal factors are Verticillium albo-atrum or Verticillium dahliae, which are fungi found in the soil.This is a common and serious problem that can even kill established trees. Preventing Maple Tree Diseases & Pests. Basal canker – This maple fungus attacks the base of the tree and rots away the bark and wood beneath. Maple Wilt. You can combat drought by thoroughly watering trees and mulching to retain moisture. Ensuring healthy trees is the best way to prevent the telltale maple tree dying signs. 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