Columnar Maple problems

Question

I have a columnar maple that has been in the yard for 6 years. Last year it started having problems and has slowly gotten worse. Please see photos. I think I may be dealing with verticillium wilt but I honestly don’t know. Can you help me know how to treat it before I lose it?

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Answer 1

Verticillium wilt can cause leaf discoloration similar to your picture, but symptoms would typically strike one branch, section or side of the tree initially, and then spread from there. Check whether this is the case. Here is more information:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/verticillium-wilt/

The leaf discoloration in the picture could also be caused by high salt levels in the soil, excessive fertilizer, poor water supply, or damage to the roots. These problems are common in trees located right next to a busy street. See these articles for help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/reversing-soil-salinity.htm