Sounds very much like Verticillium wilt to me.

The limp stems sounds like a root problem. It could be Verticillium,
or it could be something else, like compacted soil in the root ball.
Don't panic yet.

I've had it randomly
destroy 3 of my very best Maple varieties. Crimson Queen was 50% killed
off and the surviving part has now grown into an acceptable garden plant
in the subsequent five years. If the list agrees, I'd cut out well below
the affected areas and dispose of cuttings cleanly. Remember to
sterilise tools afterward.

Since Vert is a root problem, pruning isn't going to do much good.
Some trees, if in good health, and not stressed by drought, will
fight off the fungus themselves; susceptible or weak trees will die.

You should look at your tree's roots for signs of decay or soil
compaction. There is no good way to tell if you have Verticillium
without disfiguring the tree, so don't bother unless it's a goner.
But keep it away from other trees so you don't spread hypothetical
spores.

If the tree dies, get rid of everything: Tree and soil. Sterilize
the pot before using it again.
--
Nina Shishkoff

Frederick, MD

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