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WHAT IS CHLOROSIS? Chlorosis is a serious condition where a tree or other plants ability to manufacture chlorophyll has been compromised. Because chlorophyll is the green pigment found in leaves, this condition is easy to diagnose by looking at leaf color. Mild chlorosis may occur as a pale green appearance to the leaves, while leaves may be yellow and even white in severe cases. Do not confuse this condition with certain plant cultivars which are cultivated for these characteristics to sell as unusual additions to your landscape. WHY IS CHLOROSIS A PROBLEM? Because chlorophyll is the molecule that a plant utilizes to make energy for itself, they are making less energy than they normally would. This condition results in a weaker, less durable plant that will rarely make it to maturity. WHAT CAUSES CHLOROSIS? There are a number of factors that can cause chlorosis in plants, but mineral deficiencies and root system health are among the most significant. When minerals like iron or manganese are absent from the soil or locked up by high soil PH they are not available to the plant. Also, if the root system is damaged or unhealthy the plant will not have the capacity to absorb these minerals. Some common reasons plants may appear chlorotic include:
1) Severe soil compaction
2) Over-irrigation
3) Root severing
4) Deicing salt put on snow and ice
5) Root rots/ disease
6) Repeated drought 7) Extreme pruning techniques on trees/topping A healthy root system requires food made in the leaves to function and grow. Healthy leaves require healthy roots to extract nutrients from the soil. Without one, the other languishes. The plant will be stuck in a declining spiral that will eventually lead to the plants death. Chlorotic trees do not produce as much energy to develop a healthy root system, and trees with unhealthy root systems do not extract the water and nutrients from the soil needed for canopy health. Extreme pruning can off balance this ratio for good tree health. |
