Knowledgebase
Sulfur & Nutrient Uptake in Maples #889534
Asked November 08, 2024, 12:42 PM EST
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Red maples are sensitive to soil pH. The issue is not Mg, but likely manganese, which becomes increasingly difficult for the tree to take up as pH rises. Application of granular elemental sulfur (or other products) can lower pH, though the process is slow and it may take more than a year to see results.
Your report recommends application of 1/3 lb sulfur/100 sq ft. I would recommend application at this rate this fall and again in the spring and fall of 2025. Then apply just in the fall of subsequent years. After 3 years, it is good to get a follow-up soil test to verify where the pH is at.
For more information:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/making_the_most_out_of_your_soil_test_ph_factsheet_now_available