What is Iron Chlorosis?


A tree and plant condition that many homeowners are not familiar with, but experienced landscape professionals frequently manage, is iron chlorosis. The main symptom for trees and lawns is the loss of the natural deep green color, turning leaves or blades to a light green or yellow. The continued presence may result in slow growth and possibly death.

Iron chlorosis is a mineral deficiency that aborts the synthesis process that creates chlorophyll, thereby affecting normal growth.

Trees grown in poorly drained soils are susceptible to this problem. Other causes may be compacted roots, high alkalinity, or a lack of nutrients.

Iron Chlorosis Attacks Lawns Also

The condition can affect lawns, causing the green blades to turn yellow. Like trees, grass will not develop the chlorophyll without the presence of iron. According to a Louisiana State University report, while iron is not part of the chlorophyll molecule, it is still required for chlorophyll synthesis. And, like trees, a high alkaline presence in the lawns restricts iron absorption.

Over watering or long periods of wet and cool weather can also cause this condition in lawns.

Iron Chlorosis Prevention

The soil is usually the culprit. Before planting or if the disease is suspected, testing the soil’s pH is the first step. High alkaline soils tend to solidify the iron content within the dirt, thereby making absorption impossible.

If the soils in your region have high alkaline content, look for trees and shrubs like Scotch Pines and Norway Maples which tolerate these higher pH levels. While existing young trees with this problem are best replanted elsewhere in less alkaline soils, homeowners may be better off to start with the other tree varieties.

With turf grass, liquid or granular iron additives may be useful. Core aeration also will allow air to penetrate the soil to reduce problems caused by over watering.

Check Out ProLine™ Equipment from Heritage Oak Farms

ProLine equipment is designed to make the nursery, tree farm, and landscape management easier, safer, and with less damage to the plants. Each accessory is designed to fit any late model skid steer and can perform multiple functions.
One product, ProLine’s Tree Auger, makes digging easier and cuts through the hardest soils, keeping the sides of the hole where they belong.

Check out the ProLine website to view all of their top quality, practical, and highly functional nursery and landscaping equipment.

Call the experts at ProLine at 1-888-288-5308.

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