The leaves on a plant absorb sunlight and then photosynthesize, transforming simple water and carbon dioxide into food for the plant. If those leaves crumble due to poor care and growing conditions, the plant loses a way to make food. This food consists of sugars and not the minerals that fertilizers contain.
Whether the plant is a shrub or a tree, it needs those leaves to remain healthy until they wither from age. Factors that you can’t control, like wild weather, are always a risk. But you can control other conditions, like light and soil type. Keeping leaves green and healthy isn’t that difficult.
Ensure They Get the Right Amount of Sunlight
Different plants need different amounts of sunlight. Some plants love complete shade, and many prefer partly cloudy or partly sunny spots. It’s very common for plants to love indirect sun or dappled shade. Yet others thrive in full sun.
If a plant gets the wrong amount of sunlight, the leaves often develop problems. They could turn yellow with too little light, or scorch if exposed to too much light.
Most trees need full sun, although a few do well in shade. It’s critical that you note the sunlight requirements of the trees you plant to ensure they’re receiving the light they need.
Double-Check Watering and Drainage
Too little or too much water can dry up or drown a plant, respectively. Drought or simply forgetting to water the plant (trees included) can make leaves turn brown and dry.
Giving a plant too much water can make the leaves limp. That also invites in fungal pathogens that can eventually kill the plant. Pay attention to the amount of water per week that the plants need. If it rains, subtract the amount of rain from that week’s total.
You also want to ensure the soil around the plant is draining properly. You might give the plant the correct amount of water. But if the soil won’t let the excess water drain away, the plant can still drown.
If the soil drains too quickly, then a lot of the water you gave the plant likely didn’t make it into the roots. The green leaves would die in either case. You may need to amend soil to increase the plant’s ability to drain or retain water.
Pay Close Attention to Fertilizer Needs
Fertilizer comes in several different formulations or ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Trees often benefit from nutrient ratios like 3:1:1, but don’t assume your trees want that ratio. Ensure you give tree species the right formulation in the right amounts and at the right time of year.
Treat Pest Problems Immediately
Pests can eat away at leaves. If you see any signs of a pest infestation, treat the plant immediately. The longer you let the infestation grow, the harder it will be to save the plant. If the pests either don’t go away or get worse, a landscaping or tree service knows how to treat the pests in question.
If you follow the specific planting and care instructions for each plant species in your yard, they’ll have a better chance of staying healthy. That means more green leaves. If the tasks are too much for you, you can also hire gardeners and tree services to take care of the yard for you. When you need plant care services in Birmingham, AL, contact Gray’s Tree Service.
