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 Chlorosis is a serious issue where a tree has lost its ability to manufacture chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is an important leaf component which is responsible for energy absorption for the entire tree. Trees without enough chlorophyll will not be able to grow and live. If this condition is not corrected, the tree will eventually die.
Mineral Deficiencies
At the center of a molecule of chlorophyll sits a single atom of magnesium. A deficiency of this mineral will lead to reduced chlorophyll content and chlorotic leaves. While not contained in the structure of the chlorophyll molecule itself, iron plays a vital role in the synthesis of chlorophyll and is the most common deficiency cited in the cause of chlorosis.
Iron and Soil pH
Most soils have adequate quantities of iron, but iron is available to plants only as the Fe 2+ ion and is available in that form only when soil pH is between 5.0 and 6.5. High soil pH in many areas causes chemical reactions that make the iron solid and unavailable to plant roots. Such iron will be tied up indefinitely unless soil conditions change.
Trees can partially overcome this issue because healthy roots can influence (lower) the pH of the soil in the rhizosphere and extract the iron it needs. Trees with limited or compromised roots will have more difficulty obtaining iron from the soil.
Root System Health
The ability of the root system to extract iron and other elements from the soil can be a mitigating factor in the cause of chlorosis. This means environmental issues that negatively impact the health of the root system can cause the onset of chlorosis. These may include:
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Soil compaction |
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Irrigation problems |
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Lawn herbicides |
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Deicing salt |
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Toxic levels of other minerals |
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Root severing |
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Root rots/diseases |
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Repeated drought |
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