How to fix a yellowing Scarlet Oak, iron chlorosis?PH is 7.9 with higher buffer PH?

Question

How to fix a yellowing Scarlet Oak, iron chlorosis?PH is 7.9 with higher buffer PH?

Answer 1

The major cause of chlorosis in landscape plants is a deficiency of either iron or manganese. Both are considered to be plant micronutrients, meaning they are needed in small quantities by plants.

Iron and manganese deficiencies usually are not caused by an actual lack of these nutrients in the soil, but by soil that is too alkaline. As soil pH becomes more alkaline, iron and manganese are chemically tied to the soil, making them unavailable for plant uptake.

Iron and manganese chlorosis can be corrected in several ways. For a long-lasting solution, make the soil more acidic to free up the existing nutrients. Small areas can be made more acidic by applying acidic organic matter, such as peat moss, to the soil. Larger areas are more feasibly treated with elemental sulfur, iron sulfate or aluminum sulfate to the soil. The amount needed depends on the size of the area, the current soil pH and soil type. These materials are relatively slow acting, and the soil will have a tendency to return to alkaline, so it can be a never-ending battle.

Adding nutrients to the soil near the plant is yet another option. Use specially formulated nutrients, known as chelates, to avoid the problem with soil alkalinity. These materials can be expensive and slow to work.

Good Luck!