Leaf Blight and Premature Defoliation
in Chitalpa Trees

Chitalpa trees exhibiting yellow to brown spots on the leaves, leaf blight, wilt and premature defoliation may be caused by environmental stress, extreme summer heat.

Applying extra water does not seem to help, however acidification may. The desert Southwest is known for it's alkaline soils and iron deficient plants.

Fertilizer's containing ammonium nitrate, ammonium phoshpate, urea and ammonium sulfate, will acidify the soil.

Choose a fertilizer with chelated iron, which will help with both the acidification and provide a form of iron which the plant can use.

Granular fertilizers can take a while to work, so apply the granular fertilizer as directed on package, but also implement a regular program of foliar applications.

Foliar feeding produces speedier results. Scotts MirAcid is a popular foliar feed.