Does my tree need fertilizer?

Honey mesquite rarely needs fertilizer if planted in native soil. Only fertilize if a soil test confirms a specific nutrient deficiency.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

No, Honey mesquite loves full sun. Yellowing is almost always related to water, soil, or nutrients.

Honey mesquite: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Test the soil pH to see if it is too alkaline.
Check how long the soil stays wet after watering.
Look for green veins on the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Iron chlorosis
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This often happens in alkaline soils where the tree cannot absorb iron.
What to do: Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil around the drip line. Follow the package instructions for the specific dosage based on the tree size.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays wet and muddy for days after watering. The leaves may yellow and eventually drop.
What to do: Reduce the frequency of your watering. Ensure the soil is well draining and not compacted around the base of the trunk.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your honey mesquite

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

Yellowing is a concern if it spreads across the entire canopy. A few yellow leaves near the center of the tree are often just old growth being shed.

Stopping it coming back

Avoid overwatering and ensure your soil has good drainage. Monitor the tree for signs of nutrient deficiency in early spring.

Honey mesquite: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your honey mesquite 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

Does my tree need fertilizer?: Honey mesquite rarely needs fertilizer if planted in native soil. Only fertilize if a soil test confirms a specific nutrient deficiency.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: No, Honey mesquite loves full sun. Yellowing is almost always related to water, soil, or nutrients.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Honey mesquite leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your honey mesquite?