Can I save a tree with Verticillium wilt?

You can often prolong the life of the tree by pruning out infected parts and keeping it stress free. However, the fungus remains in the soil, so it is rarely cured completely.

Does yellowing always mean disease?

No, it can also be a reaction to extreme heat or drought. Always check your soil moisture before assuming it is a fungal issue.

Striped maple: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaves for signs of wilting on specific branches.
Feel the soil one inch deep to check for moisture.
Look for dark streaks under the bark of dying branches.

Likely causes

Verticillium wilt
Most likely
How to tell: You will notice yellowing leaves on specific branches, often accompanied by wilting and dieback. The inner wood may show dark streaks if you scrape the bark.
What to do: Prune out the affected branches well below the visible damage, sterilizing your tools with alcohol between every cut. Keep the tree well watered and mulched to reduce stress, as there is no chemical cure for this fungus.
Improper watering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow uniformly or develop yellow patches when the soil stays soggy or dries out completely for too long. Check the top inch of soil to see if it is bone dry or muddy.
What to do: Adjust your schedule to water deeply every 5 to 10 days only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage so water never pools around the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your striped 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

If the yellowing is localized to one branch, it is a serious sign of wilt. If the whole tree is yellowing in late autumn, it is just preparing for winter.

Stopping it coming back

Avoid wounding the roots or trunk during landscaping, as this provides an entry point for soil fungi.

Striped maple: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your striped maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I save a tree with Verticillium wilt?: You can often prolong the life of the tree by pruning out infected parts and keeping it stress free. However, the fungus remains in the soil, so it is rarely cured completely.
Does yellowing always mean disease?: No, it can also be a reaction to extreme heat or drought. Always check your soil moisture before assuming it is a fungal issue.

Guides to these causes

Verticillium Wilt

Why are my Striped maple leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your striped maple?