Norway Maple Leaf Scorch: Drought and Transplant Shock, Not Iron

12 Norway maples (8 new, 4 older). One older: droopy, discolored, edge-burned leaves, thinks it's fall. Iron needed?

Diagnosis: Leaf Scorch + Transplant Shock

• Edge burn = drought response
• New trees: Lost 95% roots at nursery → shock
• Iron only if yellowing along veins (chlorosis)

Watering Protocol

• 1″ rainfall equivalent/week
• Dowel rod method to check root ball moisture
• 4″ mulch, 4″ from trunk
• Deep soak, not sprinkle

Consistent moisture fixes scorch; new trees need 2–3 years to establish.