Will my tree die if the leaves turn yellow?

Usually not, but it is a sign that the tree is stressed. Addressing the cause quickly helps the tree stay healthy.

Should I fertilize my yellowing silver maple?

Only fertilize if you have confirmed a nutrient deficiency through a soil test. Adding fertilizer to a stressed tree can sometimes cause more harm.

Silver maple: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil pH level with a home test kit.
Feel the soil around the base to see if it is waterlogged.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

Iron Chlorosis
Possible
How to tell: The veins of the leaves stay green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow. This happens when the soil pH is too high for the tree to absorb iron.
What to do: Test your soil pH and aim for a range of 6.0 to 7.0. Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil or as a foliar spray to help the tree recover.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp. The soil around the base of the tree will feel constantly soggy or muddy.
What to do: Stop watering until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry. Ensure the area has proper drainage so water does not pool around the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver maple

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Be concerned if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire canopy. It is normal for a few inner leaves to yellow and drop during the heat of late summer.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil pH balanced to ensure the tree can take up nutrients.

Silver maple: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my tree die if the leaves turn yellow?: Usually not, but it is a sign that the tree is stressed. Addressing the cause quickly helps the tree stay healthy.
Should I fertilize my yellowing silver maple?: Only fertilize if you have confirmed a nutrient deficiency through a soil test. Adding fertilizer to a stressed tree can sometimes cause more harm.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my silver maple's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your silver maple?