Can fertilizer fix yellow leaves?

Only if the yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency. If the cause is poor drainage, fertilizer will not help.

Is it normal for leaves to yellow in summer?

A small amount of yellowing is normal as the tree ages its older foliage. If it happens to young leaves, investigate the soil conditions.

Little-leaf linden: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture two inches deep.
Check the area for standing water after rain.
Look at the leaf veins to see if they are still green.

Likely causes

Waterlogged soil
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp while the soil stays soggy for days after rain.
What to do: Improve drainage by amending the surrounding soil with organic matter. Avoid watering if the ground is already saturated.
Iron chlorosis
Possible
How to tell: The veins of the leaves remain green while the tissue between them turns yellow.
What to do: Test your soil pH because high alkalinity prevents iron uptake. Apply a chelated iron supplement to the soil if the pH is above 7.0.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your little-leaf linden

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. A few yellow leaves in late summer are normal as the tree prepares for autumn.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the tree is planted in well draining soil and avoid overwatering during wet seasons.

Little-leaf linden: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your little-leaf linden 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

Can fertilizer fix yellow leaves?: Only if the yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency. If the cause is poor drainage, fertilizer will not help.
Is it normal for leaves to yellow in summer?: A small amount of yellowing is normal as the tree ages its older foliage. If it happens to young leaves, investigate the soil conditions.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Little-leaf linden leaves turning yellow?