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.