dying tree - help!

[standardbrand]

We have a gorgeous norwegian maple in our back yard.
Last year, a gardener added topsoil to our yard that contained mold that is lethal to this species.
This summer, several branches have already died from verticellium wilt.
I'm told that there is no cure, and the tree is dying. The process could take as long as 30 years.
We are hoping to forestall the inevitable. I've started sprinkling compost around the yard, and am watering the yard daily.
The worry is that we may be overwatering, and this might also cause harm.
Any advice welcome.
I read that replacing the topsoil could help, then I read that this would not help because once the mold is there, it can't be removed.
It would be prohibitively expensive to remove the topsoil because we've added many trees and shrubs to the yard.

[Smallaxe]

I think verticullum wilt is a virus and I didn't know that it affected maple trees... did you take a sample to the local extension office and have it examined for the actually disease, or where did you get the idea that it really is verticullum wilt???

[Duekster]

Originally Posted by standardbrand

We have a gorgeous norwegian maple in our back yard.
Last year, a gardener added topsoil to our yard that contained mold that is lethal to this species.
This summer, several branches have already died from verticellium wilt.
I'm told that there is no cure, and the tree is dying. The process could take as long as 30 years.
We are hoping to forestall the inevitable. I've started sprinkling compost around the yard, and am watering the yard daily.
The worry is that we may be overwatering, and this might also cause harm.
Any advice welcome.
I read that replacing the topsoil could help, then I read that this would not help because once the mold is there, it can't be removed.
It would be prohibitively expensive to remove the topsoil because we've added many trees and shrubs to the yard.

You do need a lab test to confirm.

One go ahead and plant a resistant tree some where on the property if you have room for another tree. That way you will have a tree in the future.

Next, keep it watered well. Use low nitrogen and maybe kick up the K.

I like the PHC product for trees, http://www.lebanonturf.com/labels/2724638.pdf


I have had some positive responce with this product as well but just in general not for wilt.

http://www.lebanonturf.com/labels/2724627.pdf

[standardbrand]

I will check out your links. We're now thinking about adding a honey locust to the yard. Supposedly it won't have problems with this soil.

[Coffeecraver]

Verticillium wilt is a vascular disease brought on in response to water stress.
It lives in the soil for many years and enters through the root system.

Water transport gets blocked. sometimes death is quick but most often
There is no cure and the best option is removal and replacement

Some trees are disease resistant, the fungus can remain in the soil well after the tree is gone.

Check your local Cooperative extension they may have a list of resistant trees

Good luck