Micronutrient Injections

Micronutrient Injections

Some trees have a reduced ability to produce chlorophyll due to a deficiency of micronutrients producing chlorosis. This causes the leaves to appear yellowish with green veins, and the deficient micronutrients are usually iron and/or manganese. The micronutrients are usually present in the soil, but they are unavailable to the tree because the soil is too alkaline and the tree’s roots do not produce enough acid to dissolve the micronutrients.

Soils in the Front Range are extremely alkaline, and are so strongly buffered that it is nearly impossible to lower the pH to any measurable degree for any length of time. Most trees produce enough acid at the root-soil interface to dissolve enough micronutrients in the soil that they are bioavailable, but some maples and oaks do not. A person can spend a lot of time and money trying to add iron and acid to the soil with very limited results. However, the micronutrients needed by a tree can be injected directly into the trunk of the tree with good results lasting for several years.

Walker Tree Care has the capabilities to inject micronutrients into chlorotic trees, but first we need to know what micronutrients are deficient. We will take leaf and branch samples and send them to the laboratory for analysis. That way, we can be certain that we are addressing the deficiency appropriately.

Please call us if you feel that you have a tree suffering from chlorosis. We will gladly help you determine the appropriate action to address the problem.

Chlorosis is a reduced ability to produce chlorophyll, the green leaf pigment required for photosynthesis.  This micronutrient deficiency is exhibited in leaves that have yellow tissue with green veins.  In advanced cases, the tissue can die completely appearing brown and scorched.  Newer leaves at branch ends are most likely to be affected.  The condition is diagnosed by soil testing and plant symptoms.

The Colorado front range soils are alkaline and contain a less usable chemical iron than some other regional soils.  Certain tree species may have difficulty getting necessary micronutrients.  Silver maple, red maple, and certain oaks are more likely to be affected by iron chlorosis due to their high iron requirements.  Iron chlorosis may be exacerbated by poor availability of other minerals, particularly manganese.

Several treatments are possible to alleviate symptoms of iron chlorosis.  These include foliar sprays containing iron sulfate, application of iron chelates or iron sulfate to the host soil, or trunk injection of iron sulfate or ferric ammonium.  Walker Tree Care’s Plant Healthcare professionals possesses the necessary expertise, experience, and equipment to accurately diagnose and treat iron chlorosis.