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ArborCare/ArborScape, Inc. has been serving the Wasatch Front since 1985.
Our services are tailored to the specific needs of each customer for enhancing their landscape.
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ArborCare-ArborScape Information (Iron Chlorosis)
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Iron Chlorosis and What Causes it
Iron Chlorosis is caused by the tree's inability to obtain enough iron from the soil. This occurs when there is either not enough iron in the soil, or what iron is there is unavailable. Iron becomes unavailable when the soil pH level is high, which causes the iron to become insoluble and difficult for many plants to absorb.
Iron is an important nutrient needed for chlorophyll production. A symptom of Iron Chlorosis is smaller, yellow leaves with dark green veins, which means there is a decrease in chlorophyll. With severe Chlorosis, the leaves can turn from white to brown and there can be some turn twig die back. The first leaves on the tree may appear to be normal size with some yellowing. However, the later leaves will be smaller and much more yellow. Also, this could occur on only one branch or one half of the tree. Remember, if Iron Chlorosis tends to be a reoccurring problem, it could lead to death in the tree.
In Utah, Pin Oaks, Birches, and Silver Maples commonly have trouble with Iron Chlorosis, but it is not limited to only these trees.
One thing to note is that there are other causes of yellowing, such as herbicide damage and other mineral deficiencies. Manganese and Iron deficiencies are very similar. The difference is that manganese deficient leaves have broad green bands next to the major veins.
What Can I do to Control Iron Chlorosis?
There are three types of application that can help control Iron Chlorosis. They are Foliar Application, Soil Application, and Trunk Injection.
Foliar Application: This treatment is good if a rapid response is desired. It can give quick results, but tends to be temporary as the iron can not move into the tree through the leaves, so the new growth will be chlorotic. This type should only be done in the evenings or during cool periods since it can burn the leaves.
Soil Application: This type of treatment can be done two ways: with sulfur or with iron. Adding sulfur to the soil will lower the pH of the soil. This is an easy application that gives short-term results. Adding iron to the soil is more long-term. Using specific types of iron, like iron chelate, will place some iron in the soil that is available to the trees. This application should be done in the spring.
Trunk Injection: The iron is injected into the tree by first drilling holes into the trunk. Then such things as cartridges, capsules, or tubing systems are used to allow the iron flow into the trees' water transport system.
What Can ArborCare Do for Me?
We offer Soil Applications of either sulfur or iron to help control Iron Chlorosis. The sulfur treatment is done by spreading a granular form of sulfur on the ground. We suggest doing this application three to four times a year. We apply the iron by injecting a liquid form of iron chelate into the ground. This we suggest applying in the spring..
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If you have any questions or would like to speak with an ArborCare representative regarding your tree care needs, please e-mail us at or call us at (801) 972-8733.
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We Employ
Certified Arborists
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