Yellowing leaves with green veins are more than a seasonal color change — they’re often a warning sign. This condition, known as iron and/or manganese chlorosis, occurs when trees cannot absorb essential nutrients from the soil due to high pH levels. In this Tree Green University video, the certified arborists at Tree Green explain why chlorosis happens, which trees are most vulnerable, and how scientific treatment can restore long-term health.
What is chlorosis?
Chlorosis occurs when a tree struggles to produce enough chlorophyll — the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. Without sufficient chlorophyll, trees cannot generate the energy they need to thrive. A common visual indicator is leaf tissue that turns lime green or yellow while the veins remain dark green.
Why it happens
In many residential areas, especially where construction has removed deep layers of healthy topsoil, trees are left growing in compacted clay with limited nutrient access. When soil pH is too high, essential minerals like iron and manganese become chemically unavailable to the tree, even if they are technically present in the soil.
Over time, this nutrient deficiency can:
- Reduce energy production
- Thin the canopy
- Increase vulnerability to pests and disease
- Lead to long-term decline
Trees commonly affected include:
- Oak
- River birch
- Maple
Treatment approach
Chlorosis is treatable when addressed properly. Tree Green uses a scientific, species-specific approach:
For oaks and river birch:
- Basal root drenching to improve soil conditions
- Iron trunk injections every three years to deliver nutrients directly into the vascular system
For maples:
- High-pressure basal root drenching with mineral and nutrient suspension
- No trunk injections due to thinner bark structure
These treatments allow leaves to green up within weeks and help restore energy production before permanent damage occurs.
Why early intervention matters
Weak trees are more susceptible to secondary stressors like pests and disease. Addressing chlorosis early can extend the life of mature trees — even those over 200 years old — and protect a property’s long-term value.
If you’re noticing lime green or yellow leaves on your trees in the western suburbs of Chicago, a professional evaluation can determine whether chlorosis is the underlying cause and what treatment plan is appropriate.
