New tree problem - Ask Extension
I got a tree from City of Littleton last year for arbor day. It's a maackia amur. I planted it last spring and noticed that it developed spots on the ...
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New tree problem #874219
Asked June 22, 2024, 5:41 PM EDT
I got a tree from City of Littleton last year for arbor day. It's a maackia amur. I planted it last spring and noticed that it developed spots on the leaves and they weren't as deep green as my neighbor's tree, (same kind, planted at the same time). I thought it was from all the hail we had but the same problem is occurring this year and there was no hail. Can you help me figure out what is going on and what I should do about it? I really don't want to lose this little tree.
Gratefully,
Seatoo Rounds
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Seatoo,
I think what's happening is that the iron chlorosis (the yellowing leaves) in the tree are starting to sunburn from the lack of chlorophyll. We sometimes see this happen with maples and other trees that are susceptible to iron chlorosis. Essentially the leaves are scorched.
Iron chlorosis can be caused by a number of things: compacted soils, wet soils, soils high in pH (where iron cannot be taken up by the tree), and salty soils. While Amur Maackia is a great smaller ornamental tree, it is susceptible to chlorosis.
What you can try to do is modify the cultural conditions around the tree - depending on where the tree is planted, consider drying out the soil a little. You can also do iron treatments, such as foliar sprays or soil drenches using supplemental iron.
If doing drenches, use an iron chelate that is either EDDHA or EDMA. Mix it in a bucket according to the instructions and then pour it at the base of the tree (all grass and mulch must be removed so you're applying it to just soil). Utah State has some more details and information that you can consider: https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-care/preventing-iron-chlorosis
I think what's happening is that the iron chlorosis (the yellowing leaves) in the tree are starting to sunburn from the lack of chlorophyll. We sometimes see this happen with maples and other trees that are susceptible to iron chlorosis. Essentially the leaves are scorched.
Iron chlorosis can be caused by a number of things: compacted soils, wet soils, soils high in pH (where iron cannot be taken up by the tree), and salty soils. While Amur Maackia is a great smaller ornamental tree, it is susceptible to chlorosis.
What you can try to do is modify the cultural conditions around the tree - depending on where the tree is planted, consider drying out the soil a little. You can also do iron treatments, such as foliar sprays or soil drenches using supplemental iron.
If doing drenches, use an iron chelate that is either EDDHA or EDMA. Mix it in a bucket according to the instructions and then pour it at the base of the tree (all grass and mulch must be removed so you're applying it to just soil). Utah State has some more details and information that you can consider: https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-care/preventing-iron-chlorosis
Oh, and PS, where can I purchase it? :-D
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 06:01:01 PM MDT, seatoo rounds <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Alison,
Thank you so much for responding! Since I am far from being an expert, may I ask which application you feel might work best and quickest? And since I am also concerned with the environment, I'm wondering which of these additives are most natural. I can do some internet research but I feel like I'm totally out of my league here.
Gratefully.
Seatoo Rounds
Hi Alison,
Thank you so much for responding! Since I am far from being an expert, may I ask which application you feel might work best and quickest? And since I am also concerned with the environment, I'm wondering which of these additives are most natural. I can do some internet research but I feel like I'm totally out of my league here.
Gratefully.
Seatoo Rounds
Hi Seatoo,
I am not familiar with the garden centers in the Littleton area - I am in Fort Collins. But you can contact your local Extension Office in Arapahoe or Douglas County and ask where to purchase the product(s).
You can either mix the formulation in a bucket and apply it at the base of the tree....or sprinkle the powder at the base of the tree and then water it in. Because it's iron, it's a very dark red color.
Foliar spraying can be inconsistent and cause phytotoxicity to leaves if done when it's too hot. Mixing and pouring is far easier. Just follow the instructions on the label of the product.
Be sure to water the tree prior to application and following application to make sure it has enough water to pull the iron into its system.
If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, contact a certified arborist who can do the application for you. You can find an arborist at http://www.treesaregood.org.
I am not familiar with the garden centers in the Littleton area - I am in Fort Collins. But you can contact your local Extension Office in Arapahoe or Douglas County and ask where to purchase the product(s).
You can either mix the formulation in a bucket and apply it at the base of the tree....or sprinkle the powder at the base of the tree and then water it in. Because it's iron, it's a very dark red color.
Foliar spraying can be inconsistent and cause phytotoxicity to leaves if done when it's too hot. Mixing and pouring is far easier. Just follow the instructions on the label of the product.
Be sure to water the tree prior to application and following application to make sure it has enough water to pull the iron into its system.
If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, contact a certified arborist who can do the application for you. You can find an arborist at http://www.treesaregood.org.
Thank you!
Hello,
I'm back again with the same problem. I purchased and applied the chelated iron using the drench method. It is a very small tree so I used the smallest dosage suggested on the package. I used the one that you suggested. I applied it on June 29. The poor little tree is no better, maybe worse. Should I give it another round of the iron supplement or can you think of any other things I might try to save it/help it become more healthy?
Grateful for advice,
Seatoo Rounds
Hi Seatoo,
It is unlikely to change the leaf color this year - but it should help next year. The only way to change the leaf color now would be to do foliar applications of iron, and this late in the season, it's not worth it.
For now, just keep up with regular watering and reducing stress as much as possible.
It is unlikely to change the leaf color this year - but it should help next year. The only way to change the leaf color now would be to do foliar applications of iron, and this late in the season, it's not worth it.
For now, just keep up with regular watering and reducing stress as much as possible.
