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MANGANESE DEFICIENCY
SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS
Chlorosis is a common problem of some tree species in Michigan. Red Maples are especially susceptible, but occasionally Birch trees also show this condition. For some trees this condition is temporary and may not persist from year to year. However, for others this interveinal chlorotic condition may stay with the plant for years, slowly decreasing the overall vigor and ability of the tree to survive. The first indication of chlorosis is general yellowing or pale green coloring of the foliage. As the condition worsens the leaves lose their ability to manufacture food and will die. As the tree loses stored energy, whole branches and portions of the tree may begin to die off. Over time the tree may decline enough to lose its aesthetic value, necessitating removal.
CAUSE
Chlorosis is a disruption of chlorophyll formation in leaves. This disruption may be caused by a deficiency of elements like iron, manganese, zinc or copper. As the soil pH levels increase, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus concentration increases in the foliage, causing a disruption of chlorophyll formation. Simply prescribing tree fertilization for chlorotic trees without analysis of current element levels in the foliage or soil could result in excesses that compound the situation. Chlorosis sometimes involves a combination of factors including nutrient in-balance, soil pH level, poor site conditions, or system failure due to damaged roots.
CONTROL
Prevention is the best control. Do not plant trees susceptible to chlorosis in soils having a pH higher than 7.0 or in soils with low organic matter. Be careful not to damage the roots during construction. If the problem is related to high soil pH, restoration of leaf color may be accomplished and maintained by soil acidification. The goal is to lower the soil pH below 6.5 and maintain that level in the future. Trunk injections supply manganese directly to the leaves. A single treatment may last more than one year, but when the condition returns the treatment will need to be repeated.
● Leonard
Owen Tree Service provides tree, lawn, and landscape services to the following cities and towns:
Genesee County, Michigan:
● Burton
● Davison
● Flushing
● Goodrich
● Linden
● Otisville
● Clio
● Fenton
● Gaines
● Grand Blanc
● Montrose
● Otter Lake
● Flint
● Genesee
● Lennon
● Mt Morris
● Swartz Creek
Lapeer County, Michigan:
● Almont
● Brown City
● Columbiaville
● Imlay City
● Metamora
● Peck
● Attica
● Clifford
● Dryden
● Lapeer
● North Branch
● Sandusky
● Hadley
● Mayville
● Otter Lake
● Silverwood
Macomb County, Michigan:
● Armada
● Clinton Twp
● Grosse Pointe
● Macomb
● New Haven
● St Clair Shores
● Centerline
● Detroit
● Grosse Pointe Farms
● Ray
● Sterling Heights
● Chesterfield
● Eastpointe
● Grosse Pointe Shores
● Memphis
● Romeo
● Utica
● Clinton
● Fraser
● Grosse Pointe Woods
● Mt Clemens
● Roseville
● Warren
● Harrison Twp
● New Baltimore
● Shelby Twp
● Washington
Oakland County, Michigan:
● Auburn Hills
● Bloomfield Village
● Ferndale
● Orion
● South Lyon
● Berkley
● Clarkston
● Franklin
● Madison Heights
● Ortonville
● Southfield
● Beverly Hills
● Clawson
● Hazel Park
● Milford
● Oxford
● Troy
● Bingham Farms
● Commerce Twp
● Highland
● Novi
● Pleasant Ridge
● Walled Lake
● Birmingham
● Davisburg
● Holly
● Oak Park
● Pontiac
● Waterford
● Bloomfield
● Detroit
● Huntington Woods
● Oakland
● Rochester
● West Bloomfield
● Bloomfield Hills
● Farmington
● Lake Orion
● Oakland Twp
● Rochester Hills
● White Lake
● Farmington Hills
● Lathrup Village
● Orchard Lake
● Royal Oak
● Wixom
St. Clair County, Michigan:
● Algonac
● Casco
● East China
● Harbor Beach
● Lexington
● Peck
● Allenton
● Clay
● Emmett
● Harsens Island
● Marine City
● Port Huron
● Berlin
● Clyde
● Fair Haven
● Jeddo
● Marysville
● Richmond
● Brockway
● Columbus
● Fort Gratiot
● Kimball
● Memphis
● Sandusky
● Capac
● Cottrellville
● Goodells
● Lakeport
● North Street
● St Clair
