Maple Manganese Deficiency: Soil pH Correction Over Implants

Manganese implants treat symptoms; soil pH correction fixes the cause. High pH locks up manganese—maples can't absorb it even if present.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Buy pH test kit from local nursery
2. Test soil under affected maples
3. Target pH: 6.0-6.5 for manganese availability
4. If pH > 7.0: Apply elemental sulfur per test recommendations

Treatment Options (After pH Correction)

• Soil application: Manganese chelate or sulfate (2 tbsp per inch trunk diameter)
• Foliar spray: Manganese chelate 13% for quick green-up
• Implants: Medicap MN 3/8" ($8-10/5-pack) - symptom relief only

Cost Comparison

• DIY: pH kit ($14) + manganese ($10-15) + sulfur ($10) = ~$40
• Pro injection: $100+ per tree
• DIY addresses root cause; implants are temporary

Test pH first. Correcting alkalinity provides lasting solution for all landscape plants, not just maples.