While admiring your tree one day, you notice its leaves look a bit paler than usual. A few days later, those leaves aren’t just pale; they’re totally yellow. Fall is still a few months away, so what gives? Why are those tree leaves turning yellow?
Discover the top causes of yellowing tree leaves below, then call us for tree services in Louisville, KY.
It May Not Be Getting Enough Iron
The main reason why tree leaves turn yellow is a lack of iron, which leads to a condition called chlorosis. When chlorosis strikes, trees can’t get enough iron from the soil to produce the chlorophyll that turns leaves green. Leaves affected by chlorosis exhibit bright-green veins and yellowing through the rest of the leaves. In the later stages, leaves may turn white and drop off.
Chlorosis often indicates that your soil nutrients aren’t providing enough nutrition to the tree. To verify this, send a sample of your soil to your local agricultural extension for testing. The results will indicate where your soil is lacking. If your soil is iron-deficient, treat the tree with powdered or liquid iron.
You’re Watering Too Much or Not Enough
Why are your tree leaves turning yellow even when your soil has plenty of iron in it? The answer might be water stress. Chlorosis can develop if you’re only watering sporadically or giving the tree way more water than it needs.
It’s sometimes tricky to know when your tree truly needs a drink. Some species are thirstier than other trees, while several do just fine in drought conditions.
If your tree is wilting, that’s a good sign it needs watering. You can also try inserting a screwdriver into the soil around the tree (be careful not to cut the roots). If the screwdriver slides in easily, the soil’s moisture level is adequate. But if it’s tough to insert, the tree probably needs water.
It’s Grappling With a Disease or Pest Infestation
By far the worst reason why your tree’s leaves might be yellowing is a pest infestation or disease. Some are extremely tricky to completely eradicate, and certain tree diseases have no known treatment, with removal being the only option.
Insects such as aphids, mites, and mealybugs feast on your tree’s leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow or fall off the tree. Some insects feed on tree roots, causing so much root damage that the tree is unable to absorb nutrients.
Insects easily spread tree diseases, too. On top of yellowing leaves, disease symptoms may include:
- Shriveling leaves
- Weak branches
- Holes in the bark
- Fuzzy-looking patches on the trunk
- Gradual dieback
Got a Sickly Tree? Count on Our Experts To Come to the Rescue
Why are your tree leaves turning yellow? Our pros at New Leaf Tree Service have the answers! We offer proven techniques to help sick trees recover, such as deep-root fertilization and root crown excavation. If we can’t save your tree, we also offer removal.
To schedule tree services, contact us at (502) 418-9899.