Diagnosing Dead Branches on a Japanese Maple

Random Branch Dieback in Japanese Maple

A 5-year-old Japanese maple shows dead, shriveled branches amid healthy growth. Possible causes include fungal cankers, verticillium wilt, or environmental stress.

Immediate Actions

1. Prune out dead wood back to healthy tissue.
2. Submit a sample (with both dead and live tissue) to your local Cooperative Extension for lab diagnosis.
3. Ensure proper watering and mulching; avoid wound paint.

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.