The following question was sent to the P&PDL diagnosticians here at Purdue University:

Question: I would like to know how to correct a Verticillium wilt, or anthracnose problem on my Crimson King maple trees. Trees are about 30 years old, and 10 inches in diameter. The problem started last year, and continues to worsen.

Answer: I would not worry about the anthracnose. It looks bad, but should not affect the overall health of the tree. We don't recommend doing anything except fertilizing in the fall. You could prune out branches affected with Verticillium wilt, however, that will only prolong the death of the tree. Verticillium is a fungus that gets in the vascular system of the tree. There are no other controls available. Refer to the following Purdue University Extension Publications for more information:

on Anthracnose: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP_9_W.pdf

on Verticillium wilt: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP_6_W.pdf

on Fertilizing Woody Plants: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-140.pdf

--Peggy Sellers

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Information listed is valid only for the state of Indiana.

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