Tree problems · Disease
Verticillium wilt: signs and what to do
Verticillium wilt is a tree disease, often seen on red maple, Norway maple, sugar maple. Look for: sudden wilting and yellowing of leaves on one branch or one side of the tree.
General information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm.
- Disease
- Red maple
- Norway maple
- Sugar maple
- Japanese maple
- Eastern redbud
- Northern catalpa
Signs to look for
Tick what you see. More ticks make it more likely, but only an on-site look can confirm.
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Season
Wilting often shows after leaves are fully open, commonly in late spring and summer, especially when hot, dry weather hits an infected tree.
How it spreads
The fungus lives in the soil and enters through the roots, then moves up inside the water-carrying wood. It can survive in soil for years. It can also move on infected soil, tools and nursery stock.
Where it is found
Verticillium fungi are found in soils across much of the United States and attack many woody and garden plants. Check your state official map; ranges change.
Official sources
What to do
- 1
Have a plant diagnostic lab confirm the problem. Several other issues, such as drought, root damage and other wilts, look similar.
- 2
Prune out dead and dying branches back to healthy wood, and clean tools between cuts.
- 3
Water deeply in dry weather and feed only if a soil test says so. A tree that grows steadily can often wall off the fungus.
- 4
Do not replant a susceptible species in the same spot. Choose a resistant kind.
- 5
Remove the tree only if it becomes unsafe or fully declines. A tree with a lot of dead wood can be a hazard.
Safety first: do not climb, do not cut near power lines and do not use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.
Prevention
Avoid planting known susceptible species where Verticillium has been confirmed. Do not wound roots or trunk, keep trees watered, and disinfect pruning tools. Buy healthy nursery stock from a reputable seller.
When to call a pro
Call an arborist if you see sudden wilting, a one-sided dieback, or streaked wood. A pro can sample the wood, send it to a lab, and judge whether dead limbs are a risk to people or property.
Not sure who to call? Read how to hire a tree service or check is my tree dangerous?
Trees it affects
Usually seen on: Red maple, Norway maple, Sugar maple, Japanese maple, Eastern redbud, Northern catalpa, American elm.
See all species in our tree library, or pick a tougher tree with the tree picker.
For tree companies
How to explain Verticillium wilt to a customer
Be clear that a lab test is the only sure way to know. Explain that some trees recover, some decline slowly, and that nobody can promise a cure. Focus on safe pruning, hazard checks and picking resistant species for replacements.
Send this page to the customer after your visit so they can read the signs in plain words. See also selling plant health care and the job photo checklist.
Questions
Can Verticillium wilt be cured?
There is no product that removes the fungus from a tree. Good care can help some trees recover or live a long time, and removing dead wood keeps the tree safer.
How do I know it is Verticillium and not drought?
Drought tends to affect the whole tree and eases when water returns. Verticillium often hits one limb or one side and may show streaks in the wood. A lab test confirms it.
Will it spread to my other trees?
The fungus lives in the soil, so nearby susceptible plants can be affected. Resistant species usually are not.
Should I cut the tree down right away?
Not always. Many trees live for years with some dieback. Remove it if the tree becomes a danger or is mostly dead.
Can I plant another maple in the same spot?
That is risky if the fungus is confirmed. A resistant species is the better choice.
Is it safe to keep the wood?
The fungus does not harm people. Clean tools after cutting infected wood so you do not move it to healthy trees.
Can Lirevon diagnose Verticillium wilt on my tree?
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies and does not do tree work. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm what is wrong with your tree.
How do I find a good local pro for this?
Search Google Maps for certified arborists or tree services near you, read their reviews and ask for proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes. Our guide on how to hire a tree service lists the questions to ask.
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