Yellowing Leaves

We see a lot of trees, of many species and in varied landscapes, with leaves that are losing their green luster and turning yellow. Why does this happen? Like many other simple questions, this one has a complicated answer. So leaving aside all the fun science, here’s the gist of it.

Leaves turn yellow for various reasons, and the reason is sometimes seen in the pattern of the yellowing. When certain nutrients are in short supply in the leaf, chlorophyll molecules don’t get made and they are what reflect green light back at our eyes. If chlorophyll isn’t being made, then the plant is not feeding itself. Why is leaf lacking those needed nutrients?

The species may not be adapted to our dry and alkaline soils. The soil may be lacking nitrogen, iron, magnesium, zinc and/or manganese. Soil chemistry may be getting in the way of uptake. Soil moisture levels (too wet or too dry) may be interrupting the process. Poorly designed irrigation may be limiting root activity. Root architecture may be so compromised that it is affecting root function. Disease in the vascular tissues may be the problem. Some kinds of herbicide damage causes yellowing of leaves.

Some of these we can address, some not so much. This is why we don’t make blanket prescriptions for simple problems like leaf yellowing. Figuring out what the cause really is can lead us to make actionable and effective recommendations. Give Legacy Tree Company a call if you’re worried about your trees!

Contact us to find out more about our Albuquerque tree removal services.