Tree leaves turning yellow at the wrong time of the year can indicate several things. Yellow leaves are a common symptom of disease, excess water, or nutrient deficiencies. However, quick action from an effective tree service company in Los Angeles can correct the issue.
In this article, the team from International Environmental Corporation reviews some of the common reasons for leaf yellowing and how to correct it.
Insects and Pests
Insect and pest damage is among the more severe causes of leaf chlorosis and requires urgent attention. However, it’s usually easy to identify since there are bound to be other signs.
Insects like aphids and caterpillars eat the leaves or suck the sap out. In both cases, you’ll either see the insects themselves or notice visible signs of damage in addition to the change in color. Here, the yellowing is a result of a lack of nutrients.
Meanwhile, pests like gophers damage the roots, limiting the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. You should see signs of holes in the ground or the bark, and the tree may also seem to wither.
Disease
Bacterial infections are more difficult to trace as they can enter the tree’s heartwood. You will usually notice signs of fungi in the form of mildew on the leaves or growths on the bark.
These parasitic organisms spread quickly and suck nutrients and moisture from the tree. Rooting them out as soon as possible is essential because they can be challenging to treat.
Issues with Water
Tree leaves turning yellow can signify either too much or too little water. In both cases, the tree will seem limper than usual, so a soil moisture test is the only sure way to ascertain if this is the cause.
Mineral Deficiencies
Tree leaves turning yellow can be because trees are heavy feeders in the garden, so leaf yellowing can indicate nutrient deficiencies. Soil testing will determine if you need to add minerals such as magnesium, iron, or nitrogen.
You can buy a simple soil testing kit at your local gardening center or hardware store. However, if you suspect you have poor soil, hiring a professional can save you time and money in correcting the issue.
The Wrong Lighting
Trees need sunlight to create chlorophyll, but not all trees like direct sunshine. In the wrong lighting, leaves will either be yellow because they cannot photosynthesize or burn.
This issue is difficult to correct as you cannot control the sun. Trimming the tree can help, but the solution is often to move the tree or remove it entirely. It’s here that dealing with a professional landscaper when planning the garden pays excellent dividends.
Herbicide Damage
When applying weed killers, it pays to be careful with the application. Using them during windy conditions or spraying them indiscriminately can cause them to land on leaves, killing them.
High Heat
Trees feel the heat almost as much as we do. Under high heat conditions, the sun scorches leaves, changing their color and causing them to drop. This is because the tree is under stress and cannot maintain optimal nutrient levels.
Should You Worry About Your Trees?
You’re probably reading this because you have certain concerns about your trees. You’re observant, and you’re probably right about something being slightly off. However, it’s difficult to judge how serious the problem is without the right expertise.
Tree leaves turning yellow could be perfectly normal or a sign that your tree is under significant stress. Find out in time to correct the problem by contacting International Environmental Corporation.
Speak to our team, schedule your evaluation, and learn more about tree inventories by calling (818) 892-9341 today.
