Oak with chlorotic leaves

Question: Planted last year, it looks entirely healthy…but for the chlorotic leaves: light green with green veins. The degree of chloroses varies but no set pattern.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 19, 2023, 3:08 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the question. This tree definitely looks like it is suffering from Chlorosis. Chlorosis means that the tree is unable to take up iron and because of this cannot photosynthesize effectively.  You say it was just planted last year and form the photos, it looks as if it was probably planted by a contractor since it is in front of what looks to be a townhome. If planted by a contractor it should be under warranty and I would call them to come and look at it. Chlorosis in oaks is difficult to treat. Most treatments are done by a contractor and their effectiveness over the long term is iffy. Your best plan of action would be to have a soil test done. It may be that the soil in this area is too high PH. It’s almost impossible to change the soil over the long run so if it is high PH select a tree that is tolerant of that.  So I would call the contractor and start with a soil test. Then make decisions from the info you get.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 12:14 PM EDT
response: Hi, Deb,      Thanks for your reply. I was in denial having read earlier about chlorosis, hoping that there was another avenue to recovery.     Some corrections about the info I supplied. It was planted in mid-summer of 2021: The contractor was slow to dig the hole for us. My neighbors and I did the actual planting because the contractors often end up with girdled trees.     Another thing is that we purchased it through Tree Trust in conjunction with the City of St. Louis Park. Tree Trust acquired it from Bailey's.      I suppose this changes nothing, and actually makes it worse! If it's not the soil that's the problem, do you think we have any recourse?     Thanks, again.     Judy  On 06/19/2023 2:08 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 20, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: I would start with a soil test. You can find instructions here: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden If the soil test is normal, contact Baileys. They are a highly reputable grower and may help you out in replacing the tree.  One other note: Soil PH can be affected by new construction - especially cement work so keep that in mind. In such cases it may be possible to amend the soil around the young tree. Your soil test will give you a recommendation with the results.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 9:11 AM EDT
response: Sorry to bother you again, Deb. I’ve downloaded the soil test form but want to be sure I’m requesting the right tests. Besides the “regular test”, perhaps the “soluble salts” (I’ve fought against all the salt they use and synthetic fertilizers), and “iron, zinc, copper, and manganese “?Anything else? Gets pricey if there’s nothing that can be done. Oh well: worth a try. Many thanks. JudySent from my iPhone On Jun 20, 2023, at 11:14 AM, JUDY CHUCKER <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿ Hi, Deb,      Thanks for your reply. I was in denial having read earlier about chlorosis, hoping that there was another avenue to recovery.     Some corrections about the info I supplied. It was planted in mid-summer of 2021: The contractor was slow to dig the hole for us. My neighbors and I did the actual planting because the contractors often end up with girdled trees.     Another thing is that we purchased it through Tree Trust in conjunction with the City of St. Louis Park. Tree Trust acquired it from Bailey's.      I suppose this changes nothing, and actually makes it worse! If it's not the soil that's the problem, do you think we have any recourse?     Thanks, again.     Judy  On 06/19/2023 2:08 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied June 21, 2023, 12:24 PM EDT
response: You may want to have them check for soluble salts because this is new landscaping but I wouldn’t ask for more than that.  When you get your results, read the recommendation and also be sure to read page 2 which provides more explanation.