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What Is Wrong With My Maple Tree?
7/12/2008
Linda Langelo
Horticulture Program
Coordinator
Colorado State University Extension
Golden Plains
Area |
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Several types of maples such as amur, red, and silver maples have
a high susceptibility to iron chlorosis. The chlorosis is not just related to
the soil's pH. Other factors may be, but not limited to compaction, clayish
soils, and even too wet or too dry.
Part of planting the right tree in
the right site is knowing Colorado's soil and in particular, the soil's pH
numbers. Soil pH is simply the measurement of the acidity or alkalinity in the
soil. The pH scale shows that 7.0 is neutral, below 7.0 is acid and above 7.0
is basic or alkaline.
Unfortunately, Colorado's soils tend to be more
alkaline. Although most plants "tolerate" a 7.5 to 7.8 pH range, this range is
on the alkaline side of the pH scale.
When the word "tolerate" is used,
compare this word to the word "preferred". A silver maple will tolerate a pH of
7.5 for a period of time before it shows the symptoms of iron chlorosis, but it
really prefers from 6.0 (acid) to slightly over 7.0 (slightly
alkaline).
Since some areas of Colorado receive so little annual
rainfall like other parts of the world, the soils become more alkaline. In
other words, the salt content/build-up is higher. This is why manures are not a
preferred additive for continual soil amendments. They serve to increase the
soil contents of the soils. The salts must be leached through watering, which
takes a great deal of water and time.
Testing the soil before selecting
a favorite tree or plant saves a large amount of time, effort and money. There
may be a place in your landscape where the maple can exist without ever getting
iron chlorosis.
Maples are very popular and attractive because of their
fall colors. The red maples, which are the first to turn in the fall, have red
buds, red petioles, red twigs, red leaves and even red seeds. Without enough
iron, a red maple cannot produce chlorophyll, which is important for
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is responsible for sugar production which keeps
plants vigorous and healthy. So if tree leaves are exhibiting the fall colors
during the growing summer season, this factor alone can trigger some type of
nutrient problems.
The chemistry of fabulous fall foliage is only one
part of the formula which is why the "fall-color tours" are in other parts of
the country. Shorter days with lots of sunshine as well as cooler nights play a
huge part in the coloration of the fall season. Due to this year's warm dry
spring followed by a freeze, and followed by a dry summer, you might see an
early leaf drop with very little color this coming fall.
Be pro-active
and do a site analysis of what plants and trees "prefer" your landscape. There
are other great native alternatives to maple trees.
For additional
information, visit your local extension office for fact sheets on Iron
Chlorosis, Native Trees and Shrubs of Colorado, along with Small & Large
Deciduous Trees. |
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
7/17/2008 |
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