growth, leaves become pale green, yellow or white and eventually turn brown, particularly between the veins. Mildly affected plants grow poorly and become unsightly. Severly affected plants fail to grow, flower or fruit and can even die from lack of iron. Iron chlorosis occurs most often in pin oaks, silver maples, junipers, azalea, rhododendron and sweetgum. The condition is not always caused by a lack of iron in the soil. Often it is the high pH which makes it possible for other elements to interfere with the absorption of iron. This occurs in neutral to alkaline soils when the pH is above 6.5. Chlorosis may also be caused by overwatering, poor drainage or high levels of certain mineral elements in the soil such as manganese, copper or zinc.

Cultural Practices for Control:
If overwatering or poor drainage are possible causes, they should be corrected. Poor drainage is quite common in much of the heavy soil in beds next to houses or low areas. If high soil pH is suspected, a soil sample can be taken to determine the pH level. Many garden centers offer soil sample tests. In the Northwest, soil pH is often above 7.0. For control of soil alkalinity, annual application of ammonium sulfate, aluminum sulfate or sulfur is necessary.

Pro Care Practices for Control:
Since chlorosis symptoms are often confused with other conditions such as root stress or poor drainage, proper identification is necessary. Proper fertilization is extremely important for tree and shrub health, and Pro Care tree are offers tree fertilization.

The Pro Care staff is always ready to assist you with your trees and shrubs. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your landscape's health or appearance.