Pale Leaves on Newly Planted Lacebark Elm: Water, Mulch, and Fertilizer Fixes

Diagnosing Chlorosis

Light green leaves on a recently planted lacebark elm in Oklahoma heat indicate either water stress or nitrogen deficiency—not disease.

Corrective Actions

1. Deep water weekly (1 inch via pan test) to drive roots downward.
2. Mulch 3 inches to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
3. Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch trunk diameter, broadcast and watered in. Repeat spring.

Critical Warning

Never use "weed-and-feed" lawn fertilizers near trees. Their herbicides (broadleaf weed killers) are absorbed by tree roots and cause decline or death. Liquid lawn herbicides are safer if kept off foliage.