Why Are My Tree’s Leaves Turning Yellow? It Might Be Chlorosis

Have you noticed your birch, maple, or oak tree’s leaves turning yellow – but the veins remain green? That could be a telltale sign of chlorosis, a common and serious condition that affects many trees across Wisconsin. Left untreated, chlorosis can weaken your trees over time, making them more susceptible to disease, pests, and even decline.

At Hoppe Tree Service, we see chlorosis most often in river birch, red maple, and pin oak trees, especially when they’re planted in soils that don’t suit their needs. Let’s take a closer look at what causes chlorosis, how to spot it, and what we can do to help.

What is Chlorosis?

Chlorosis is a condition where leaves don’t produce enough chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. Without it, trees struggle to make the food they need to grow strong and healthy. This results in yellowing leaves, typically with dark green veins – a classic visual symptom.

The most common cause is a nutrient deficiency, especially iron or manganese, and is often triggered by:

• High soil pH (alkaline soils)

• Poor soil drainage

• Compacted soil

• Root damage or poor planting site selection

Some tree species are more sensitive to these conditions than others.

What Trees are Most Affected?

We frequently see chlorosis in:

Birch Trees

River birch are beautiful, fast-growing trees – but they’re naturally adapted to acidic soils. In alkaline environments, they struggle to absorb iron efficiently.

Maple Trees

Red maples, in particular, are prone to chlorosis when soil pH is too high. Yellowing can show up quickly in new growth and spread across the canopy.

Oak Trees

Pin oaks are notoriously sensitive to iron chlorosis. The condition often starts in the upper canopy and can progressively worsen each season if untreated.

What Are The Symptoms?

Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Leaves turning yellow while veins remain green (inter veinal chlorosis)

• Stunted growth or twig dieback

• Early leaf drop or thinning canopy

• Poor overall vigor despite regular watering and care

Can Chlorosis Be Treated?

Yes – but the earlier you catch it, the better the results. Hoppe Tree Service offers several effective treatment options depending on your tree’s species, soil conditions, and severity of symptoms.

Soil Amendments

We can help adjust your soil’s pH over time and improve nutrient availability with deep-root fertilization tailored to your tree’s needs.

Iron Injections

For more immediate results, we offer trunk injections that deliver iron directly into the tree’s vascular system. This often results in greener leaves within a few weeks and lasts for multiple growing seasons.

Root Zone Aeration

Compacted soil can limit a tree’s ability to absorb nutrients. Our root zone aeration services can break up compaction and encourage healthy root growth.

Site & Tree Selection Guidance

If you’re planting new trees, we can recommend species better suited to your soil conditions, or help you find the right location on your property for a tree like a birch or pin oak.

Let’s Bring the Green Back

If you think your trees might be suffering from chlorosis, don’t wait to act. With the right treatment plan, most trees can recover and thrive again. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists is ready to diagnose the issue and create a custom care plan to restore your tree’s health.

📅 Schedule a consultation today and let’s make sure your trees stay vibrant and strong—this season and beyond.

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