Verticillium Wilt Treatment by SavATree Insects & Diseases Verticillium wilt is a vascular disease caused by soil-borne fungi in the genus Verticillium, primarily Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo-atrum. It can cause serious damage to infected plants, often leading to gradual decline or death, making it a major concern for maintaining healthy landscapes. Verticillium wilt affects a wide range of hosts, including trees such as maple, elm, smoke tree, redbud, magnolia, catalpa, ash, dogwood, and boxelder, as well as various other plant and shrub species. Signs of Verticillium Wilt Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Verticillium wilt is essential for early detection and effective management. Common signs to look for include: Pale, dull, or scorched foliage Persistent wilting Premature leaf drop Asymmetric canopy thinning Branch dieback that starts at the tips and moves inward toward the trunk Poor annual growth Where and When to Look for Verticillium Wilt Verticillium wilt is caused by soil-borne fungi that are found across much of the United States, with higher prevalence in temperate regions such as the Northeast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and California’s Central Valley. These areas often have cool, moist soils that allow the fungus to survive in the ground for many years. Symptoms typically appear in late spring through early summer and may worsen during hot, dry weather, when drought stress makes the disease more noticeable. How does Verticillium wilt harm your trees? The fungus that causes Verticillium wilt enters trees through the root system. Once inside, it begins colonizing the infected tree by releasing toxins and spores that affect its vascular system, specifically the xylem, which transports water from the roots to the canopy. This colonization plugs important vessels and hinders the upward flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and branches. In severe cases, it can lead to the death of the tree. While there is no cure for Verticillium wilt, early detection and proper management can slow disease progression and help extend the life of affected trees. How to Prevent Verticillium Wilt Verticillium wilt is a chronic disease that does not have a curative treatment once a tree or shrub is infected. This makes preventive care crucial for minimizing the risk of long-term landscape damage, particularly to valuable trees and shrubs. To help protect against infection, it’s important to ensure that trees and shrubs are properly watered, maintained, and routinely inspected for early signs of stress or disease. SavATree’s experts offer specialized guidance and proactive care to help prevent Verticillium wilt. This includes proprietary treatments such as ArborHealth® to enhance tree vitality, ArborKelp® to improve root development and stress tolerance, and Organic Soil Enhancer to increase microbial activity and nutrient uptake. SavATree also offers tailored fertilization plans to support root health without overstimulating new growth that may be more vulnerable to infection. Arborists may also recommend bark disease treatments or foliar treatments which offer preventive fungal suppression as part of an integrated plant health care plan. In addition to these treatments, cultural practices are key. This includes pruning of symptomatic limbs with sanitized tools, proper irrigation management, and in severe cases, removing trees when infection is widespread. If removal is necessary, avoid replanting susceptible species in the same location, as the fungus can persist in soil for many years. With early detection and consistent care, arborists can help reduce the impact of the disease and preserve the long-term health of your landscape. Where to Find Verticillium Wilt Treatment Near You Verticillium wilt can be challenging to identify and manage, making professional guidance essential for optimal tree and shrub protection. Our ISA Certified Arborists at SavATree are trained to detect early signs of the disease and create region-specific care plans based on local conditions and tree species. We also offer comprehensive disease treatments to address existing infections and prevent future outbreaks. With expert support and proactive care, you can protect your landscape and keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.