These popular landscape trees generally start declining within one to two years of planting.

1. What it looks like

Leaves turn yellow, but the veins remain green.

2. How to diagnose it

It’s best to start with a soil test that includes pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC).

3. What causes it

Chlorosis in these trees is usually due to nutrient deficiencies associated with high soil pH (usually high 6’s and above). For red maple (Acer rubrum and cvs., Zones 3–9) the issue is manganese deficiency; for pin oak (Quercus palustris and cvs., Zones 4–8) the problem is reduced iron uptake.

4. How to treat it

CEC influences the soil’s ability to hold onto essential nutrients but also buffers the soil against pH changes. You can reduce soil pH by adding elemental sulfur, but the change is usually slight and temporary. Also, the effectiveness of sulfur in lowering soil pH decreases as CEC increases. If your CEC is in the midteens, it may be possible to lower pH by one unit, but as soil CEC gets higher, it becomes more difficult to make a dent in the pH. Arborists can treat iron-deficient pin oaks and manganese-deficient red maples with trunk-injected nutrients. Bear in mind, though, that they are essentially treating the symptom (chlorotic leaves) but not addressing the underlying problem (an above-optimum pH). This is a case of the wrong tree in the wrong spot.

From Fine Gardening #194

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.

Buy at Amazon

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
- DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece

Buy at Amazon

Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH Folding Saw

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

3 SIDED RAZOR TEETH FOR EFFICIENT CUTTING: 10" blade is ideal for cutting 5"–6" diameter, small to medium, branches. ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED, COMFORTABLE, CO-MOLDED HANDLE: Provides a comfortable grip for extended use. EASY TO LATCH BLADE PREVENTS INJURY WHEN NOT IN USE: Folding blade is curved, taper-ground, and replaceable. IMPULSE HARDENED TEETH FOR LONG SERVICE LIFE: Extends the life of the tool season after season. UP TO 6 TEETH PER INCH AND CURVED BLADE DESIGN FOR FASTER CUTTING: Cuts are smoother and quicker than a traditional saw.

Buy at Amazon