Golden branches blazing amidst evergreens as if kissed by the sun.
Leaves in fresh shades of pumpkin and carrot bursting in front of bronze and russet canopies.
And then the stars of the show: the rubies and scarlets and crimsons that make passers-by stop and just watch the scene with wonder.
Autumn is on its way. And trees are the main attractions—giving height to the vivid, endless color that adorns the landscape.
One of the tree species that tends to be a favorite in the fall show here in Idaho is the maple tree.
Its signature leaves with multiple, pointed lobes reach out symmetrically covering the palm of one’s hand as he or she collects the colorful fallen leaf from the ground. It’s a characteristic leaf that is widely recognized, collected and admired.
Idaho Soils Can Mess With Maple Tree Health
Unfortunately, Idaho’s alkaline soils can be brutal to certain maple tree species. Soils that are more alkaline (soils with a pH higher than 7.5) can cause leaf yellowing or chlorosis, which can stunt the growth of the plant.
This could mean they are deficient in iron. Trees can suffer because certain nutrients like iron aren’t available to the plant in this type of soil. Having water that also tends to be alkaline in this region doesn’t help either.
Sugar maples tend to do well in Idaho soils. But some of the other classic maple trees, like red maple, Japanese maple and silver maple, are susceptible to this yellowing in alkaline soils. Some varieties of these species—‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maples, for instance, are more cold hardy and can perform better in our climate, but soil health and nutrients are still very important to maple tree health.
Soil Solutions For Happy Maple Trees
This is where fertilization can make a difference. Trees planted in our city or suburban landscapes are typically exposed to stresses that aren’t normally found in a forest environment that is rich with organic matter.
Proper tree fertilization can provide the necessary or missing nutrients to maintain health and provide the best defense against insects and diseases, keeping the yellow, chlorotic leaves at bay.
Deep root fertilization takes it one step further by mixing the nutrient requirements of trees with the right placement—directly into the root zone of the tree where it can be best absorbed and used. This way, trees don’t have to fight for nutrients with turf or other plants; they get want they need delivered right where they need it.
Magnificent Maples
Maple trees can be the shining stars of your autumn landscape while you sit back and enjoy the season.
Let the professionals at Outback Landscape take a closer look at your maple trees and make sure they have all the nutrients they need to put on a great show and come back strong again in spring.
Contact us at (208) 656-3220 for a free consultation and to discuss more details about how deep root fertilization can help your maple trees.
