Yellow leaves in fall are heavenly, but yellow leaves in summer? Not so much. If the leaves on your trees are turning yellow, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. There are several root causes for yellowing leaves, many of which are easily treated. Before you panic and get out the ax, please look at some common issues a good tree service can help you manage.
Under Watering
If your tree is not getting enough water, the leaves will turn yellow. Like a camel, your tree will work to conserve water when it’s not getting enough. To do this, it stops sending valuable moisture to the leaves. When this happens, the leaves turn yellow and drop off the tree. Regular watering is essential to ensure your tree doesn’t dry out.
Overwatering
If your tree gets too much water, you could see the same result – yellow leaves. Chlorosis occurs when leaves don’t have enough chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves. One reason for chlorosis is the soil’s lack of proper iron levels. Iron is necessary for the leaves to turn that vibrant, dark green hue that makes them lush and beautiful. Overwatering is a primary cause of the lack of iron and the resulting yellow leaves.
Pests
Pests are another reason your leaves are looking less than green this summer. Like overwatering, specific insect infestations can cause chlorosis. The most common are aphids and pine beetles. Both are treatable if you only have a small number of pests. If you have an infestation, your trees will require proper treatment to eliminate the insects and save your trees.
Disease
Many diseases can turn your trees from lush and green to sparse and yellow. Powdery mildew is one. In the South, where the weather is humid, mildew diseases are not uncommon, and they can lead to yellowing tree leaves if left untreated. Powdery mildew initially appears as dust on your tree leaves, but it can ultimately cause your tree to stop growing and die.
Environment
One of the most significant factors in the health of your trees is the environment where they grow. If they don’t get enough light, it can lead to yellowing leaves and slow growth. Unseasonal weather can also impact the health of your trees. If it gets hot early in the season or there’s a lot of rain or not enough rain, those things can shock your trees and cause them to drop leaves as they try to conserve energy.
Losing leaves in the middle of summer can be incredibly frustrating, but there’s help. If you see yellow leaves in summer, contact Engram’s Tree Service team today and speak with a certified arborist to schedule proper care for your trees.