Hi Steve,

Could you provide me with some photos of the tree? Both of the leaf damage and also the tree as a whole (base included). Thank you!

If it's easier, you can email me directly: <personal data hidden>

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Hi Steve,

Perhaps the photos aren't showing the lean as much as you'd like. That's something that can be addressed with an arborist, but truthfully, correcting a lean would be difficult, if not impossible. I suspect the tree is stable, but an arborist can assess it for structural integrity.

The chlorosis could be for several reasons, and generally it's linked to some root issue. One of the things we see with trees that generally don't get chlorosis, is the cultural conditions. It could be getting too much water or the area around the tree may not have the best drainage. A root may be affected by construction, girdling, etc. Because the entire tree isn't affected, it's something specific with the roots linked to that portion of the tree. 

I don't know if I would worry about it at this point in the season. We're nearing leaf drop. One thing to consider would be to remove the rocks as mulch and replace them with wood mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Water in winter, about once per month, and avoid stressing the tree. 

Thank you for your insight!

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