Will yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not return to green. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy.

Does fertilizer help yellow leaves?

Only if the yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency. Do not fertilize if the tree is suffering from overwatering.

Chokecherry: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture at a depth of 3 inches.
Inspect the base of the trunk for signs of standing water.
Check the leaf veins to see if they remain green.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp. You might notice the soil stays soggy for more than 14 days.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 inches of soil dry out. Ensure the planting site has good drainage and is not in a low spot where water pools.
Iron Chlorosis
Possible
How to tell: The veins of the leaves stay green while the tissue between them 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 if the pH is too alkaline.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chokecherry

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 whole tree. It is normal for a few older interior leaves to yellow and drop in late summer.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils that do not drain well.

Chokecherry: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chokecherry 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 yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf has turned yellow, it will not return to green. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy.
Does fertilizer help yellow leaves?: Only if the yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency. Do not fertilize if the tree is suffering from overwatering.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my chokecherry leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your chokecherry?