Iron Chlorosis Landscape

Date September 23, 2021

Category

Author TreeNewal Staff

Whether it’s red oaks or cedar elm, trees are beautiful perennial plants that can brighten up landscapes while simultaneously making the world a better place. However, like any living being, they need the right surroundings to grow. Sadly, inadequate tree nutrition can lead to a range of issues. Iron chlorosis is one of the most commonly overlooked issues and could have a damning impact on your backyard or outdoor spaces.

If you have an iron chlorosis landscape in Dallas-Fort Worth, you must identify the proper iron chlorosis treatment ASAP. With TreeNewal, finding the right tree disease management plan to get your landscapes back to their best becomes a lot easier. While you don’t often think about nutrient deficiencies, instead of worrying more about the effects of a drought, this is one that you cannot afford to ignore.

What is iron chlorosis, and what are the symptoms?

Iron chlorosis is a disorder that can impact all tree species. An iron deficiency essentially causes it and, when left untreated, can be fatal for a tree. The condition may affect a single tree or, given that it is largely attributed to an inability for trees to access iron from the soil, could alternatively leave you with an iron chlorosis landscape. While it is a scary situation to encounter, the right tree disease management strategy can restore your garden to total health. TreeNewal is an ISA-certified arborist that can diagnose the condition and utilize the appropriate tree care services to make this happen.

Naturally, early detection and action are essential if you wish to protect your tree’s health and reduce the costs of iron chlorosis treatment. Iron deficiency in trees is most commonly characterized by yellow leaves that feature dark green veins. Leaves may also die and fall from the branches earlier than you would expect. When living in Dallas, if you notice yellow leaves falling before mid-October, you are right to have cause for concern.

However, note that yellow leaves can be attributed to other issues. Yellowing in leaves is a natural process in many species and cultivars, while pathogenic diseases and pest infestations may also be at the root of your problems. If you notice the symptoms of iron chlorosis, seeking support from professional tree care experts should be at the top of your plan.

What causes iron chlorosis in trees?

Iron chlorosis occurs when the tree does not gain enough iron via the roots. Unsurprisingly, unhealthy soil is the most common culprit. If the soil’s pH levels are too high, the lack of acidity means that any iron within the soil is not in a form that trees can soak up. Another common cause is when the soil is poorly aerated due to being too compacted or growing in flooded regions. Low oxygen levels will prevent the iron from being consumed by the tree. Over time, that iron deficiency leads to illness, as characterized by the yellow leaves and death.

Iron deficiencies can occur at any time of the year, although the colder seasons bring an added threat of low-temperature-induced iron deficiencies. Any treatment for iron chlorosis in trees will ultimately look to bolster the aeration of the soil and reduce the pH levels of the soil. In many cases, adding iron to the soil is needed to facilitate the restoration.

Am I vulnerable to the threat of an iron chlorosis landscape?

The good news is that most landscapes in the Dallas-Fort Worth region provide the foundations for healthy tree growth. The area is in zone 8a of the USDA hardiness map, and the land is blessed with the nutrients needed for healthy trees to grow. However, if your soil has the wrong pH level or poor aeration, your trees could suffer. Worse still, it is not uncommon for trees to be healthy for many years only to suddenly encounter iron chlorosis and its symptoms. In short, you could face localized or widespread iron chlorosis at any time. If you do, seeking a quick solution is the only way to prevent death.

While it is impossible to rule out iron chlorosis disorders altogether, the risks can be reduced. An appreciation of the causes mentioned above will serve you well. Moreover, you should research the different species that are most vulnerable to iron deficiencies (silver maple and dawn redwood, for example) and avoid planting them. Or, if you’ve already planted those trees, take extra care with the preventative tips.

What is the best treatment for iron chlorosis in trees?

  • Soil applications are perhaps the most popular choice as they target the root of the problem by adding high concentration iron solutions to the soil. This allows the trees to take up the nutrients, which enables trees to repair themselves over time. Iron chelates offer a temporary solution, while iron sulfate-elemental sulfur can last for up to four years and does not cause any damage to the tree.
  • A foliar application is essentially where a foliar spray with a concentration of iron is applied directly to the tree’s leaves. The coating then enables the affected leaves to soak up some much-needed iron. However, most landscapes will be limited on what trees they can use this iron chlorosis treatment on due to accessibility issues. In most cases, the procedure must be repeated every few days for several weeks.
  • Trunk injections are an excellent treatment for iron chlorosis in trees, not least because the results can last a very long time. It is an intricate task, though, especially as it requires you to cause minor damage to the trunk itself. TreeNewal’s team of professional tree care experts can select the best iron compound for the situation and complete the job in a precise manner to avoid any significant permanent damage to the tree.

If you suspect that your landscapes are harmed by iron chlorosis, TreeNewal is here to help. Our professional tree care experts will implement the best tree disease management strategy to save trees and set a healthy landscape. To find out more, call an ISA-certified arborist today!

To learn more about Iron Chlorosis Landscape, TX, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at tel:(817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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