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Tricolor Beech Losing Pink Variegation: Sun Stress and Fertilization

Chicago: Young tricolor beech planted 2 yrs ago. Leaves now solid dark maroon (no pink rim). Clay soil. pH issue?

Cause: Sunburn, Not Soil

'Purpurea Tricolor' burns in full sun → pink portions scorch. Chicago summers (July+) cause this. Spring (May–June) should show pink if not sun-stressed.

Management

Don't move – prefers dappled light (high canopy filtered)
Fertilize with Holly-tone: Apr 1, May 20, Jul 4, Aug 15, Oct 30 (½ rate for new plants)
Keep granules off foliage/stems

Trees: Tricolor Beech Decline: Borers, Not Sun, in Northwest Indiana; Tricolor Beech Leaf Curl: Aphids, Leaf Scorch, or Sun Reaction?; Tricolor Beech Decline: Leaf Curl, Lichens, and Multi-Factor Stress; Tricolor Beech Stunted Growth: Ants Indicate Aphids or Dry Soil; Pink Dogwood Anthracnose: Comprehensive Disease Management Guide; Yellowing Leaves on a Young Thompson Pink Grapefruit Tree; Dogwood Anthracnose: Identification and Management; River Birch Pink Residue: Leafminer Again; Newly Planted Weeping Beech Drops Leaves After Dry Spell; Why Beech Trees Keep Their Leaves in Winter: Understanding Marcescence

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