Soil test results - Ask Extension
I'm wondering if someone could help me understand what I need to do to fix my chlorotic yew based on the results of my soil test.
Is it possible to...
Knowledgebase
Soil test results #871392
Asked June 03, 2024, 5:58 PM EDT
I'm wondering if someone could help me understand what I need to do to fix my chlorotic yew based on the results of my soil test.
Is it possible to get some assistance in this way?
I'm attaching the soil report here.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Chlorosis is evidence that the yew isn't getting or processing the nutrients it needs to produce healthy green foliage.
In many cases this happens because, although the nutrients are present, they are unavailable in high pH soils.
However, in your case the soil pH (6.8) is optimal because yews are adapted to soil pH 5.3 to 7.8.
Because soil pH doesn't seem to be a factor, the challenge is to determine what's causing the chlorosis.
The following publications discuss this problem and what to do about it.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/environmental/iron-chlorosis
https://extension.illinois.edu/plant-problems/chlorosis
http://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT202205AG
In many cases this happens because, although the nutrients are present, they are unavailable in high pH soils.
However, in your case the soil pH (6.8) is optimal because yews are adapted to soil pH 5.3 to 7.8.
Because soil pH doesn't seem to be a factor, the challenge is to determine what's causing the chlorosis.
The following publications discuss this problem and what to do about it.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/environmental/iron-chlorosis
https://extension.illinois.edu/plant-problems/chlorosis
http://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT202205AG
Thank you so much for your response.
I'm wondering if you have a service where I can hire someone to come and help me implement a strategy to address the chlorotic process in my yew, as it's not a clear cut solution ie adjusting soil nutrients, but seems rather how to encourage uptake.
The other yews next to are doing fine so the suggestion that it is likely more about uptake seems to make sense.
Thanks - Sue Dicker
<personal data hidden>
University of Minnesota Extension doesn't provide the service or assistance you need. However, certified arborists have the training and experience needed to do that. If you decide to hire one, ask about his/her expertise as it pertains to shrubs and chlorosis.
This publication explains how to go about finding and hiring a certified arborist:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
This publication explains how to go about finding and hiring a certified arborist:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
