I have tried 3 different Japanese maples in a specific location (inside a circular raised bed in my herb garden) and all have done OK initially then just up and died. My son recently informed me it is likely that the soil is infected with verticillium wilt. I've read up on the wilt, and it does appear that this is what I have and that there is not much to be done. Before I dig is up - has anyone had any sort of success combating this wilt, or should I just resign myself to this tree dying as well and try to come up with another focal point. On another note, does anyone know of a way to 'save' the existing tree - dig it up, wash off all soil, perhaps soak in something to kill off the wilt. I do have lots of field space and could isolate the infected J. maple well away from other maples (I have several J. maples as well as native vine and big leaf maples). I am currently doing online research but wanted to see if others have experienced this and their thoughts.
