Loblolly Pine Yellowing: Soil pH Test Before Fertilizer

Loblolly Pine - Yellow

Loblolly Pine - Yellow

500 (2011) + 250 (2012) loblolly seedlings; some 6 ft tall and green, others in one area mustard-yellow, needles firm. Same sun, above-average rain. Fertilized 2×/yr.

Diagnosis

Localized yellowing in a uniform plantation = soil chemistry variation. pH drift (too high or low) locks up Fe, Mn, or N—needles yellow but stay attached.

Action

1. Collect soil cores from yellow and green zones.
2. Submit to county extension for pH and nutrient panel ($10–20).
3. Amend per report (elemental sulfur, lime, chelated iron).

Don't guess—test. One field can have multiple pH zones.