Why Are My Tree’s Leaves Turning Yellow or Brown? Insights from a Tree Care Company in Park Ridge, Illinois
As you probably know, it’s normal for leaves to change color when the seasons change. But if your tree’s leaves start turning yellow or brown too early, that is a red flag — it usually means your tree is dealing with a bigger problem below the surface. Below, this tree care company in Park Ridge, Illinois is going to highlight some of the most common reasons why your tree leaves might be changing colors too soon.
Your tree might be getting way too much or not nearly enough water.
During hot months like July and August, trees tend to get too dry. And if your tree is not getting enough water, one of the first things you will notice is its leaves losing their usual healthy green color. This is more common with trees that have shallow roots, like birch or dogwood trees.
On the other hand, if your sprinklers are running all the time, your tree roots might not be getting enough air. If left unchecked, this can cause root rot, which turns the tree leaves yellow and also slows the tree’s overall growth.
Your tree could be missing some nutrients.
Some trees, like pin oaks and red maples, can develop a condition where their leaves start turning yellow, but the veins stay green when they don’t get enough iron. If this is not resolved, even tree branches can start to die.
Trees can also be low on nitrogen. When that happens, the older leaves will start turning yellow and falling off early. In some cases, a tree could also be missing manganese, and that can also turn the leaves yellow.
An experienced tree care company in Park Ridge, Illinois can run some tests on your soil to learn exactly what nutrients your trees are missing. They can then suggest the right fertilizer based on your soil type.
Your tree might be sick.
Bacterial leaf scorch (BLS) is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, and it affects shade trees like oak, elm, sycamore, maple, etc. If your tree has BLS, you will see the edges of the leaves turning brown and yellow. Over time, BLS can kill branches and, eventually, the whole tree.
Anthracnose is another common disease, and it affects many trees, including sycamore, maple, oak, ash, and dogwood, just to name a few. If your tree has it, you will see dark brown or black spots on the leaves, and the leaves themselves can start falling off early. Anthracnose and similar fungal issues usually don’t kill the tree, but if your tree keeps losing its leaves every single year, it is going to get weak and will be more likely to die from other causes in the future.
Your tree could also be a target of apple scab. It is a fungal disease that affects crabapple and apple trees. You will first notice olive-colored spots that get darker over time, and the leaves can also start looking twisted. Many of those leaves will fall off before summer is even over.
If your tree has a disease, you need to call a professional. An experienced Park Ridge tree care company can recommend preventative fungicide treatments and better pruning to prevent further spread.
Your tree could be under attack from leaf-eating insects.
Insects can be another reason why your tree’s leaves now have a yellow or brown color. Japanese beetles, for example, love to chew on roses, linden trees, raspberry bushes, birch, and both crabapple and apple trees. This leaves a lace-like appearance on the leaves and can also turn them brown. If these beetles are not stopped, they can strip a tree of all its leaves in only a few days.
You also need to save your trees from spider mites. These are so small that you can barely see them with your naked eye, but they certainly do a lot of damage. Spider mite feeding causes leaves to look speckled and weirdly shiny like bronze. You might also see some webbing between the leaves and stems.
A knowledgeable tree care company in Park Ridge, Illinois can identify exactly what is attacking your tree and handle the infestation before the damage gets worse.
Looking for a Tree Care Company in Park Ridge, Illinois?
Are your trees showing signs of stress or disease? If so, and if you are ready to have them treated by a professional tree care company in Park Ridge, Illinois, look no further than our arborists at Brown Tree Service, Inc. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
