Applying Chelated iron (Fe HEDTA 4.43%) around trees - Ask Extension
Hello, I am tempted to use Scotts® EcoSense® Weed B Gon to control the weeds that are growing around my trees (mainly Picea Pungens Glauca, Quercu...
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Applying Chelated iron (Fe HEDTA 4.43%) around trees #199593
Asked July 15, 2014, 5:17 PM EDT
Hello, I am tempted to use Scotts® EcoSense® Weed B Gon to control the weeds that are growing around my trees (mainly Picea Pungens Glauca, Quercus Rubra and Thuja occidentalis Nigra). The active ingredient is listed as iron - Fe HEDTA 4.43%.
My question is: if I protect the foliage and avoid direct contact with the needles & leaves, can this product be applied to the lawn under and around my trees (ie. including the dripline)? Or could this have a negative impact on the trees?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
My question is: if I protect the foliage and avoid direct contact with the needles & leaves, can this product be applied to the lawn under and around my trees (ie. including the dripline)? Or could this have a negative impact on the trees?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
County
Expert Response
Hello and good afternoon!
First for my own education, I have done some research into this product and have enclosed the Materials Safety Data Sheet that details toxicity and much more. It would appear to be of very low toxicity to humans and other animals.
http://www.afpmb.org/sites/default/files/pubs/standardlists/msds/6840-01-377-7110_msds.pdf
Chelated iron is a product typically used to reduce symptoms of iron deficiency chlorosis on many kinds of plants. If we ignore for a moment the fact that iron deficiency is almost always caused by incorrect pH levels, you should know that too much iron can also be a problem. An overdose of iron may cause symptoms of iron toxicity in various trees and plants, such as stunted tops and root growth and foliage that is dark green or dark brown to purple.
Application technique nearly always involves spraying the foliage and stems of plants. In cases where iron chlorosis of trees is being addressed, iron chelates are used as either a soil drench (top 1-2 inches of soil) or as an injection.
You are correct in taking precautions to avoid the spray to contact any part of the tree. It is unlikely that you will apply enough to adversely impact a tree when applying to weeds beneath the canopy, but the tree can be affected by large amounts of iron chelates applied to soil.
Do shield the trunk and needles of the tree when spraying beneath them and spray weeds just to ensure complete coverage. Do not overapply to the point that the liquid is saturating the soil.
First for my own education, I have done some research into this product and have enclosed the Materials Safety Data Sheet that details toxicity and much more. It would appear to be of very low toxicity to humans and other animals.
http://www.afpmb.org/sites/default/files/pubs/standardlists/msds/6840-01-377-7110_msds.pdf
Chelated iron is a product typically used to reduce symptoms of iron deficiency chlorosis on many kinds of plants. If we ignore for a moment the fact that iron deficiency is almost always caused by incorrect pH levels, you should know that too much iron can also be a problem. An overdose of iron may cause symptoms of iron toxicity in various trees and plants, such as stunted tops and root growth and foliage that is dark green or dark brown to purple.
Application technique nearly always involves spraying the foliage and stems of plants. In cases where iron chlorosis of trees is being addressed, iron chelates are used as either a soil drench (top 1-2 inches of soil) or as an injection.
You are correct in taking precautions to avoid the spray to contact any part of the tree. It is unlikely that you will apply enough to adversely impact a tree when applying to weeds beneath the canopy, but the tree can be affected by large amounts of iron chelates applied to soil.
Do shield the trunk and needles of the tree when spraying beneath them and spray weeds just to ensure complete coverage. Do not overapply to the point that the liquid is saturating the soil.
