maple tree iron deficiency? - Ask Extension
I've got a maple tree hybrid of some kind that's about 30-40 feet tall, and seems relatively ok, but the leaves are more yellow than green like other ...
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maple tree iron deficiency? #579073
Asked July 11, 2019, 1:49 PM EDT
I've got a maple tree hybrid of some kind that's about 30-40 feet tall, and seems relatively ok, but the leaves are more yellow than green like other trees in the neighborhood. A neighbor said it's due to an iron deficiency, and it would appear to be affecting all the rest of the maple trees that I can see around the subdivision.
Is there anything that can be done to remedy this? Is it something I can do myself or should I hire a specialist? Is it something that will need to be done on a regular, annual basis? If I do it myself (lots of product available on Amazon, of course) how much do I need to use?
(Edit) After posting this I searched (I know, shoulda done this first) and found all the previous questions and answers about this problem. Thanks for this service.
Is there anything that can be done to remedy this? Is it something I can do myself or should I hire a specialist? Is it something that will need to be done on a regular, annual basis? If I do it myself (lots of product available on Amazon, of course) how much do I need to use?
(Edit) After posting this I searched (I know, shoulda done this first) and found all the previous questions and answers about this problem. Thanks for this service.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
I'm glad you were able to find the information you need! Yes, maples struggle in our soils due to the high pH (where iron is in an unavailable form for plants), but it can also be caused by soil compaction, overwatering, and/or salts.
If you decide to treat, focus on iron treatments with a chelate that is EDDHA. These will work better. They are best applied in the spring, but you can try them during the growing season. The biggest thing is to make sure the tree is well watered so it can move the iron throughout the tree (if applied at the base).
Please let me know if you have other questions!
I'm glad you were able to find the information you need! Yes, maples struggle in our soils due to the high pH (where iron is in an unavailable form for plants), but it can also be caused by soil compaction, overwatering, and/or salts.
If you decide to treat, focus on iron treatments with a chelate that is EDDHA. These will work better. They are best applied in the spring, but you can try them during the growing season. The biggest thing is to make sure the tree is well watered so it can move the iron throughout the tree (if applied at the base).
Please let me know if you have other questions!
