Issue 11, July 11, 2016

Iron Chlorosis and Manganese Chlorosis of Shade Trees

Are the leaves on your tree a little more yellow than you remember them being in previous years? They may be chlorotic, a condition in which leaves turn yellow as a result of destruction of chlorophyll or lack of chlorophyll production. In most cases, chlorosis is the result of a nutrient deficiency resulting from either a lack of nutrients, or the inability of the plant to uptake the nutrients. Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) deficiencies are two of the most common nutrient deficiencies seen in woody landscape plants. Pin oaks are especially prone, though we often see chlorosis affecting sweetgum, maple (especially red, silver and hybrid) and birch.


Maple with manganese chlorosis.


Iron Chlorosis Pin Oak. Note the green leaf veins.

Iron and manganese chlorosis produce similar symptoms. From a distance, affected trees appear a light green to bright yellow. Up-close inspection reveals yellow-green leaves with dark green veins. Generally, an iron deficiency causes the most intense symptoms on the newest leaves, while manganese deficiencies affect the older leaves. As the chlorosis severity intensifies, leaves develop a brown speckling and larger necrotic (dead) areas. If uncorrected, the tree may progressively decline and dieback over the course of several years, and eventually die.


Severe Iron Chlorosis on River Birch.

What causes chlorosis?
In Illinois, high soil pH is the primary cause for iron and manganese chlorosis. In most cases, the soil contains plenty of macro- and micronutrients for tree growth. However, as soil pH rises above 6.5, the iron and manganese present in the soil increasingly converts to forms unavailable to plant roots. While each plant species has their own preferred range of soil pH, most of our woody trees like a pH a little below neutral, often in the 6.3 to 6.7 range.


Severe Iron Chlorosis with necrotic brown leaf margins.

Poor growing conditions can also influence and exacerbate the deficiency and chlorosis. Affected trees are commonly found growing in close proximity to sidewalks, drive ways, gravel parking lots, and foundations constructed with limestone bases that raise soil pH. Compacted soils, poor drainage, root injury, drought and flooding all create an environment unfavorable for root growth and nutrient uptake.

Options for Treating Chlorosis
Management for chlorosis involves determining what element is missing, then trying to alleviate the cause of the deficiency. A soil test can be helpful, both to identify if any major macro- and micronutrients that may be missing, and to check the pH. Several control options are available. Each method has its pros and cons.

  1. The best long-term solution is to avoid planting tree species susceptible to iron and manganese deficiencies on sites with elevated soil pH. A soil test can verify whether or not the pH is correct and if adequate nutrients are present. This, however, won’t help an existing chlorotic tree.
  2. Adjust cultural practices to promote steady root growth. Correct poor soil drainage and compaction. Avoid saturating soils with excessive irrigation.
  3. Fertilize with an available form of iron or manganese, using one several techniques.
    • Foliar fertilization is best used for small trees and shrubs. This method involves spraying the micronutrients directly onto the foliage. It offers quick but temporary results, and will need to be reapplied on an annual basis.
    • Chelated iron fertilizers can be worked into the soil surrounding the tree using a variety of techniques. The fertilizer can be incorporated into the top few inches of soil, applied to evenly spaced, 12-15" deep holes, or the chelated iron can be dissolved in water and then injected under pressure into the soil.
    • A variety of trunk injection technologies are available to treat deficiencies. All require small holes at the base the tree. Results may not be observed until the following growing season. Treatments generally last 2 or more years. While effective, some fear repeated applications may injure the tree.      
  4. Acidifying high pH soils addresses the true cause of the problem. Soil acidification is a challenging task that offers temporary results. Additionally, acidification may not be feasible for larger, established tress.  Soils can be acidified using elemental sulfur or iron sulfate.  Elemental sulfur is economical, but takes several months to lower the pH. Iron sulfate is more expensive, but will lower the pH in a few weeks.  

(Travis Cleveland)

Author:
Travis Cleveland

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