Raking and disposing of fallen leaves is sufficient for control, but it is important to maintain the vigor of the trees with adequate water during dry periods and fertilization in the spring. For more information, see the fact sheet on Common Problems of Maple. Wilt, Verticillium albo-atrum. This disease is more common on Norway and Japanese maples than on sugar maple. Foliage on one branch or one side of the tree wilts, and sapwood occasionally shows intermittent green or green-black streaks.
Some trees die quickly but others linger.
The infection usually starts in the roots since this fungus is soilborne. Once a tree is infected, there are no effective controls for this disease. However, it is helpful to maintain vigor of the trees with adequate water during dry periods and fertilization in the spring. Avoid planting susceptible species as replacements, such as elm, catalpa, ash, or linden. Resistant plants such as apple, crabapple, beech, oak, walnut, or pines can be used as replacements.