Oak tree issue - Ask Extension
I have an 80 ft white oak tree that started to look unhealthy this past year. The leaves were getting spots then they would turn brown and fall off. ...
Knowledgebase
Oak tree issue #923154
Asked December 28, 2025, 11:58 AM EST
I have an 80 ft white oak tree that started to look unhealthy this past year. The leaves were getting spots then they would turn brown and fall off. Usually in clusters. Not all the leaves fell off and not all from the top of the tree. I had an arborist look at the tree and he thought it might be a calcium or magnesium deficiency. I had the soil tested at the U but I don't know how to interpret the results. I had both my vegetable garden and soil around the tree tested. I only had the tree area tested for calcium and magnesium. It is the area marked T7. Could you give me your opinion on the test results? Thank you.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
From the test results, it doesn't appear as though the soil around your tree is suffering from a magnesium or calcium deficiency. To completely interpret the results, though, your best alternative is to talk with the staff at the U of Mn soil lab directly. They will help you sort out the report. Have your report number and laboratory number ready and give them a call. The numbers are found at the top right of your report. The number to call is <personal data hidden>.
You could instead e-mail the lab; this should elicit a quick response. Here is the email address: <personal data hidden> .
Good luck with your tree.
You could instead e-mail the lab; this should elicit a quick response. Here is the email address: <personal data hidden> .
Good luck with your tree.
