Can I save a tree with Verticillium wilt?

It is very difficult to cure, but you can sometimes extend the life of the tree by pruning infected parts and keeping the tree healthy. Many trees eventually succumb to the fungus.

Is drooping always a disease?

No, it can also be a reaction to severe root damage or extreme heat. Check for physical damage to the roots before assuming it is a disease.

Why is my Bigleaf Maple drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Examine the leaves for sudden wilting on one side.
Check the soil for signs of recent digging or root disturbance.
Look for dark streaks under the bark of wilting branches.

Likely causes

Verticillium Wilt
Possible
How to tell: Leaves wilt and droop suddenly, often on just one side of the tree. You might see discolored streaks in the wood if you peel back a small piece of bark on a branch.
What to do: Prune out the affected branches well below the infected area using sterilized tools. Keep the tree well watered and fertilized to help it fight the fungus, though this disease is often fatal.
Root Damage
Possible
How to tell: The entire tree looks wilted and limp despite the soil being moist. This often happens after construction or heavy digging near the root zone.
What to do: Avoid any further disturbance to the soil near the roots. Provide supplemental water during dry periods to help the remaining roots support the tree.

Find out what's wrong with your bigleaf maple

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Drooping is always a sign of stress that requires immediate attention. It is not a normal part of the seasonal cycle.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around the base of the tree clear of heavy equipment and avoid overwatering, which can encourage fungal growth.

Keep your bigleaf maple healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a tree with Verticillium wilt?: It is very difficult to cure, but you can sometimes extend the life of the tree by pruning infected parts and keeping the tree healthy. Many trees eventually succumb to the fungus.
Is drooping always a disease?: No, it can also be a reaction to severe root damage or extreme heat. Check for physical damage to the roots before assuming it is a disease.

Why is my Bigleaf Maple drooping?