Iron Deficiency in Trees and Shrubs- Iron Chlorosis

                                                Iron Chlorosis in Trees and Shrubs

I receive numerous calls and see many more examples of iron deficiency in trees and shrubs here in Otero County. This is one of the more common problems throughout the state.
Iron comes in several formulations available at Garden Centers around the country. Most of these work when applied early in the Spring before plant leaves are fully developed when sprayed directly on the leaves. This also works slightly faster than applying to the soil. However, it has been my experience that most homeowners do not recognize the problem that early so then a soil application is necessary because the leaves are not receptive to a foliage application.

First of all Iron Chlorosis will cause yellowing of the leaves early in the season. The veins of the leaves remain green but the rest of the leaves will yellow which can progress to black dead spots and eventually leaf drop. This is readily seen and can effect many deciduous trees and other shrubs. It can start in one section of the plant or the whole plant can exhibit these signs. It can effect one tree in an area and the others may appear normal. The important thing is to recognize the problem and treat the plant.

If there are multiple trees of the same variety in an area and only some exhibit signs of the deficiency I would still treat them all. The reason is because if the area is of similar soil content then it probable that the other trees will eventual show signs of the deficiency so treat them before they exhibit the signs.

Now we are back to the issue that we have identified the problem but the leaves on the plant are to mature to apply the Iron directly to the foliage so we will need to apply the Iron to the soil. This still will work quite well but it takes a little longer for the Iron to be taken up by the plant and to see a visual difference it the plant.

If we are needing to add Iron to the soil we have one option to use in our high Ph soil and that is FeEDDHA this is the formula that will not be tied up by our high Ph soils. This is very important because if the other formulations of Iron are used on the soil the high Ph will not let the Iron be available to the plant. So when shopping for Iron supplements for our area by the FeEDDHA formulation.

Be sure and read the directions on how to mix and apply the iron and make sure the correct amount is applied as the label suggest. If any assistance is needed please contact the Extension Office.

Lawn Care

It is that time of the year that the Extension Office gets numerous calls about the home lawn. I thought I would take a moment to address a few common questions.

Water: Water is the first factor we look at and here in Otero County quality and quantity are the consideration. We have high pH soils and our water is hard so to manage these issues we can do a few things better.
 1- water deep and less frequently which means water once or twice a week and make sure the water goes down about 6 inches. this encourages deeper roots and maintains better subsoil moisture. Frequent shallow watering does not encourage deep roots and contributes to drying out and this can make the salt issue in our soils worse.
 2- How high should I mow my yard? Cool season grasses like Fescue, Brome and Rye need to be kept higher at 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Warm season grasses like Bermuda can be mowed at 2 to 3 inches. Remember the higher the above ground portion of the plant the deeper the roots go. If  mowing is done frequently it is better for the lawn, removing a high percentage of the plant at cutting stresses it.
 3- Controlling weeds in the lawn is easier if the lawn is healthy and can compete against the weeds. When weeding is needed it is most effective when the weeds are young and easier to control. If a herbicide is needed find the appropriate herbicide for the weeds present and read and follow the label. If assistance is needed in identifying the weeds contact the Extension Office for help. Remember there are cool season weeds and warm season weeds and they will need to be treated separately.
 4- Watering and mowing grass takes nutrients out of the soil even when there is no bagging of the clippings. Soil samples will tell the home owner exactly what nutrients are need to produce a healthy lawn. Many home owners just go to the store and buy a commercial fertilizer and sometimes this works. However, to really understand your lawn soil samples need to be taken ever few years and fertilizer should be put down in two or three applications throughout the growing season and not in one large application. Knowing what type of grass is in the lawn is important for proper fertilizer application.
 5-Aeration is a very useful lawn management application that is environmentally friendly and inexpensive. It is very beneficial to tight sodded lawns like Bermuda and high traffic areas.

In summery:
-Water deep and infrequently
-Raise your mowing deck to the correct level and mow frequently
- Feed your lawn as needed but don't over do it
-Control competitive weeds
-Aerate  the lawn

If anyone has questions on lawn care and maintenance please contact the Extension office for help and suggestions.

Sacramento Riding Club

Sacramento Riding Club first meeting of the year will be June 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Wilbanks Arena in Mayhill. This is open to youth 18 years and younger you must bring a parent to sign a waver. If you have questions please contact Sid Gordon at the NMSU Extension office at (575) 437-0231.
Bring your horse and we hope to see you there.

Farmers Market

Remember the Alamogordo Farmers Market Meets Every Saturday at Tractor Supply starting at 9:00 AM. Booth space is available for a small fee and shoppers are always welcome.
Please come by and see all the produce and plants that are available.

How do you like the new Blog let me know?

Weed Watch

May is upon us and even though the cool season weeds are heading out it is time to start watching for your warm season weeds.
We need to control weeds when they are young about 4 inches tall as a general rule. So be watching for your young weeds coming up in your landscape and get on them early. If you choose to use a herbicide it is vital you properly identify the weed first. If you can't identify the weed please bring it by the office at 401 Fairgrounds in Alamogordo and we will ID it.
Once the weed is properly identified then use the publication Chemical Weed and Brush Control for New Mexico Rangelands  to properly select the correct herbicide, time and application rate.

New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp

New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp will be June 11 to 16 at the CS Ranch in Cimarron, NM. The deadline for registration is May 5, 2017.
To apply go to nmyrm.nmsu.edu

This is an excellent opportunity for youth 15 to 19 to have hands on training in Ranch Management. The cost is $300.00.