Nutrient Treatments for Sugar Maple Decline

Abstract

Preliminary and ongoing research have shown that soil treatments with high nitrogen fertilizer can significantly improve leaf color of sugar maples (Acer saccharum) symptomatic of maple decline. Manganese treatments were less often effective. The nutrient level in chlorotic leaves was lower than in healthy leaves for all of the elements tested exept sodium and aluminum. The high level of sodium found in chlorotic leaves may implicate salt (sodium chloride) in maple decline.