Verticillium wilt does not usually present in that manner. Rather than a wilted appearance (as the name would suggest), one most often will see complete (and very rapid) branch die back or even the failure in just a day or two of the entire tree. At this time of the season, evidence of VW is usually a tree that doesn't leaf out at all. Otherwise the rapid decline is typically a midseason phenomenon.

But VW is not the only soil pathogen to affect JM's. And it could also be cultural conditions as well. Any unusually cold weather recently? Or excessively hot? Soil drainage is good?

Thank you for the response. Our winter was somewhat mild, but we have had some late season freezes that probably occurred after the initial buds had formed. No excessive heat ... Soil drainage is good. If this is due to a late freeze, is there anything I can do to remedy this? Thanks again!

If due to a late freeze, the tree will grow out of it. Just keep an eye on it and water as needed, no more. If it continues to deteriorate, take samples to your local extension service office for a diagnosis. Many of these pathogens are difficult to suss out precisely without laboratory analysis.

I'd say late, hard freeze. Many of my volunteer JM's look the same as yours this year.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Appreciate it

Don't new leaves hang down abit at first on most Japanese maples?

I'm not exactly sure what variety of Red Maple this is. It was grown from a seedling in my father's yard, he has them all over the place. It was transplanted when it was about 6' high. The leaves on the others growing on his property are not as wilted as mine. At full maturity, these tree's are still relatively small - maybe 25' high or something like that.

It is a Japanese maple, Acer palmatum. If grown from seed, just a generic redleaved Japanese maple, Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum. The leaf shape and size of any JM are very distinctive prepared to other types of maples.

And yes, MIke is correct in that the new spring foliage on JM's does appear a little floppy or droopy until the leaves are fully unfurled.

I seriously doubt you have something as serious as verticillium wilt to worry about :-))

Thank you for the additional information. Appreciate it!