There are a few issues that your trees and shrubs may face during the course of a normal season, and one of these is known as iron chlorosis. Generally referring to a lack of iron in a plant that inhibits its growth, iron chlorosis is a significant issue, particularly in drought years in dry places like Utah – but luckily, there are also solutions here.
At Logan Extermination, we’re proud to offer a wide range of lawn care, tree care and other yard care services, including insecticide spray and other treatments for varying threats that may come up. Here are some basics on what iron chlorosis is and why it’s problematic for trees and shrubs, especially in drought years, plus what can be done to prevent these issues from becoming severe.
Iron Chlorosis Basics
For those just learning about it, iron chlorosis takes place when a tree or shrub lacks the necessary amount of iron to properly develop and grow. Iron is essential for proper plant function and plays a key role in photosynthesis, which is how plants produce food.
When there isn’t enough iron present in the soil, the plant struggles to take it up. This can be due to several factors – poor soil quality, high pH levels that inhibit iron absorption, damaged roots or other issues all play a role here.
Drought Years
As we noted above, one of the times when this issue is most likely to occur is during drought years. When moisture levels are low and plants are struggling for hydration, they’re also more likely to struggle with nutrient uptake like iron. In particular, plants that are native to wetter climates may have a harder time dealing with drought years.
This can lead to a compounding effect. When iron chlorosis starts and the plant begins to struggle, it may also be more likely to attract other pests or diseases that take advantage of its weakened state. It’s a domino effect that can lead to significant damage or even death for plants if not addressed properly.
Chelate Solutions
If you’re concerned your trees or shrubs have an iron deficiency that needs correcting, the best methods tend to involve chelate products. EDDHA Iron Chelate, for instance, is a chelated micronutrient that will help return iron levels to normal, helping plants return to full health.
You might also opt for a locally-made product like Iron Combo Chelate by Baicor. Not only is this product useful for iron chlorosis issues in trees and shrubs, it’s also effective for many other micronutrient deficiencies or problems your plants may be having.
As you can see, there are a few options to treat iron chlorosis in trees and shrubs. Remember, it’s always best to consult with a professional lawn care company like Logan Extermination for the most effective treatments and preventative measures for your specific yard needs. Our team can help identify any potential issues and provide targeted solutions that will keep your trees and shrubs healthy and thriving all season long. Contact us today!
