Q. My evergreen oak tree
is over 20 years old. Some of the leaves are turning yellow and dropping while
there is some new growth, but not as vigorous as prior years. It is on drip and
gets a deep watering twice a month. There is five-foot circle underneath with
no rock. It also was deep root fertilized in February by a commercial company.
is over 20 years old. Some of the leaves are turning yellow and dropping while
there is some new growth, but not as vigorous as prior years. It is on drip and
gets a deep watering twice a month. There is five-foot circle underneath with
no rock. It also was deep root fertilized in February by a commercial company.
 |
| Yellow leaf drop can be normal on evergreen trees |
A. If the yellowing and
leaf drop is from older growth and not excessive it is probably normal.
Evergreen trees like southern live or holly oak display leaf drop starting in
the spring at the same time as new growth.
leaf drop is from older growth and not excessive it is probably normal.
Evergreen trees like southern live or holly oak display leaf drop starting in
the spring at the same time as new growth.
As
new growth develops, older leaves begin to drop. All evergreen trees, including
pine trees, show leaf or needle drop of the older ones and retain the younger
ones until they also become too old and drop.
new growth develops, older leaves begin to drop. All evergreen trees, including
pine trees, show leaf or needle drop of the older ones and retain the younger
ones until they also become too old and drop.
 |
| Pine needle drop can be normal as it drops older needles as new ones develop |
The
tree wants its young growth in the sun since it is more efficient at gathering
light. The older growth is in the shade and is less efficient at gathering
light. Leaves growing in the shade can be a detriment to the tree. They may
consume more than they produce.
tree wants its young growth in the sun since it is more efficient at gathering
light. The older growth is in the shade and is less efficient at gathering
light. Leaves growing in the shade can be a detriment to the tree. They may
consume more than they produce.
It
is in the tree’s best interest to drop older leaves. If leaf drop is occurring
on new growth then I would be more concerned.
is in the tree’s best interest to drop older leaves. If leaf drop is occurring
on new growth then I would be more concerned.
On
another note, as trees get larger they require more water. A sign the tree is
not getting enough water is a lack of vigorous growth. You might consider
adding more drip emitters to the tree so that it waters a larger area if you
believe it is not getting enough water.
another note, as trees get larger they require more water. A sign the tree is
not getting enough water is a lack of vigorous growth. You might consider
adding more drip emitters to the tree so that it waters a larger area if you
believe it is not getting enough water.