One of the strangest and most frustrating tree symptoms to explain to a homeowner is a canopy that's wilting or dying on just one side while the rest of the tree looks completely normal. That lopsided decline is a classic sign of verticillium wilt, a soil-borne fungus that clogs a tree's water-conducting tissue from the inside.
Maples, redbuds, and smoke trees are especially susceptible across Metro Atlanta, and because the fungus lives in the soil, it can affect a replacement tree planted in the same spot years later. There's no cure once a tree is heavily infected, but catching it early with a tissue sample and streaking pattern in the wood can slow its spread significantly.
Our ISA Certified Arborists look for early signs during routine health assessments, branch dieback concentrated on one side, off-season leaf drop, sudden wilting in otherwise healthy-looking weather.
Have you ever noticed one side of a tree looking sicker than the rest, almost like it's two different trees?
#VerticilliumWilt #AtlantaTreeHealth
Photo of a tree canopy showing asymmetrical dieback, or a close-up of an arborist examining branch tissue for streaking. Authentic job photos strongly preferred over stock images.
Canva text suggestion: "One Side Dying, One Side Fine? Ask Why" or "Catching Verticillium Wilt Early"