Is my tree dying if it has yellow leaves?

Not necessarily. It is often a sign of stress that can be corrected by adjusting your watering habits.

Can I fertilize to fix the yellowing?

Only if a soil test shows a deficiency. Over fertilizing can actually cause more stress to the tree.

Osage orange: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil at the base of the tree to see if it is soggy.
Check for signs of pests on the undersides of the yellowing leaves.
Look at the pattern of yellowing to see if it is uniform or between veins.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp. This happens if the soil stays wet for too long, preventing the roots from breathing.
What to do: Check the soil drainage by digging a small hole nearby to see if water pools. If the soil is heavy clay, you may need to amend the area with organic matter or improve grading to divert water away from the trunk.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Yellowing often starts between the leaf veins while the veins remain green. This usually happens in poor or very alkaline soils.
What to do: Perform a soil test to check for pH levels and nutrient content. Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring if the soil test confirms a deficiency.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your osage orange

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

A few yellow leaves in late summer or autumn are normal as the tree prepares for winter. Worry if the yellowing is widespread during the peak growing season.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the tree is planted in well draining soil and avoid overwatering once the tree is established.

Osage orange: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your osage orange 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

Is my tree dying if it has yellow leaves?: Not necessarily. It is often a sign of stress that can be corrected by adjusting your watering habits.
Can I fertilize to fix the yellowing?: Only if a soil test shows a deficiency. Over fertilizing can actually cause more stress to the tree.

Why are my Osage orange leaves turning yellow?