Fact Sheet

Iron and Manganese Chlorosis

Do the leaves on your tree seem more yellow these days?

It may be from a condition known as iron and manganese chlorosis, where leaves yellow because of the destruction of chlorophyll and/or the lack of its production.

The Problem

Iron and manganese chlorosis reduces chlorophyll in leaves of affected trees due to insufficient iron or manganese.

Symptoms and signs include:

Necrosis (death of plant sells)
Early leaf drop
Stunted growth
Dying tree

Co-occurring issues or look-alike symptoms:
Typical fall colors, variegation, other coloration or patterning, and soil issues.

The Vineland Prescription

Soil applications of chelated iron can improve chlorosis for approximately 1 year.
Root-flare injection of iron in the fall will improve symptoms for 2-3 years, and occasionally longer.
Use mulch and water to increase tree vigor. Fertilize if necessary.

The Prognosis

The best practice is to put the right tree in the right place, but there is hope for trees already in place. Soil modification should be evaluated as a long-term treatment option.

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