When your sweet, luscious green leaves begin to turn a more yellowish hue in the fall season, it can be hard for gardeners and homeowners alike. What many of us want to know is if there is anything we can do to turn those leaves back into the green, lush color that they were during the summer months. The answer may surprise you!
Can Yellow Leaves Turn Green Again?
Yes! There are many things that you can do to turn those yellow leaves back into a lush, green color. However, this is no easy task as it will require you to be dedicated, patient, and have a bit of time on your hands.
Why Do Leaves Turn Yellow?
The first thing that you will want to consider is what causes the change in leaf colors anyway? What happens when a tree or plant begins to lose its chlorophyll during the hot summer months?
Well, this actually plays out as an important part of the lifecycle for trees and plants all over the world. As we know from our own experience with changing seasons, fall marks not only falling temperatures but also shorter days where there is less sunlight available than in periods closer towards spring and summer.
This reduction in light impacts photosynthesis which results in lower levels of sugar being produced by your plants’ leaves themselves, which eventually results in them turning more “yellow” vs “green”.
Not enough sun
If your poor tree or plant is not receiving enough sun, a lack of energy available for photosynthesis will also result in yellowing leaves. In fact, a lack of sunlight is one of the most common reasons that leaves begin to turn yellow.
So what can you do about it? Well, if your problem is a result of not enough sun in and around your garden or yard then these are some things you can try:
Start by making sure that there is nothing blocking the trees’ access to direct sunlight for at least two hours per day during peak times. Fences, buildings, walls, etc…will all block out precious rays from reaching leaf surfaces, which will interfere with photosynthesis and cause yellowing.
You may also want to invest in a full-spectrum LED grow light, which emits the types of rays that plants need to trigger photosynthesis. Turn it on for at least 4 hours per day.
Too many leaves
Another common reason for yellowing in trees and shrubs is overcrowded branches which can lead to poor airflow, disease, and insect infestations if left untreated.
If there are too many leaves on a branch or twig it will actually stunt their growth, which results in smaller overall foliage, as well as less chlorophyll production leading to yellowing leaves.
So what should you do about this? Trim away any extra sprouts or stems from your plant’s limbs periodically throughout the growing season, so they have enough room to breathe.
Too much water
If you have a plant with yellowing leaves that are curling up at the edges or even drooping downwards, then it could be caused by overwatering.
Overwatering can cause roots to rot which in turn causes stunted growth and poor health for your plants overall. It is important to make sure that any excess water from rain or irrigation systems drains away fully.
If you do find yourself watering more frequently throughout the summer season than usual, remember not to flood out all of the soil when giving them their daily dose of H20! Water should just lightly saturate the surface level only so roots can drink up.
Temperature changes
If you have a plant with yellowing leaves that are curling up at the edges or even drooping downwards, then it could be caused by sudden temperature drops.
Leaves will start to turn yellow when they begin feeling more like autumn outside and less like summer due to shorter days associated with fall/winter seasons in most regions of North America and Canada… If this is happening before plants’ natural “fall” time, then they may not be able to adjust quickly enough for these environmental changes which can cause them some stress as well as lead to leaf dropping out completely.
So what should you do about this? Not much! Remember that your trees all have their own timetable too and in the end, they will pretty much know when to start their fall transition.
Lack of nutrition
If you see that the leaves on your plant are yellowing and there is a lack of green coloration present, then it could be due to low levels of nitrogen.
Nitrogen deficiencies can also cause young trees or shrubs to grow more slowly, which leads to weaker bark.
So what should you do about this? You will want to make sure that they receive an ample supply of fertilizer during their springtime growth spurt in order to help them produce adequate amounts of chlorophyll (the pigment found inside plants responsible for photosynthesis), as well as boost overall leaf health/coloration before summer comes around again.
What Can You Do to Turn Yellow Leaves Back Into Green Ones?
There are several things that you can do in order to turn yellow leaves back into green ones, including pruning and fertilizing. Prune your trees or shrubs during the fall season by removing dead, dying, diseased, or damaged branches as well as any suckers from their trunks.
By doing this you will be improving air circulation, which allows more sunlight penetration through the tree’s canopy which is critical for photosynthesis that produces sugar required for the healthy growth of your plant’s leaves.
Also, make sure not only to add fertilizer but also avoid over-watering them throughout the summer months, as neither one of these practices promotes overall plant health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yellow leaves can be turned back into green ones but it will take time and effort. The best thing that you can do is to prune your trees or shrubs during the fall season, as well as fertilize them to promote new growth.
It’s also a good idea to think about why the leaves are yellow in the first place. If it is due to lack of sunlight or over-watering, then you will want to make the appropriate changes.
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
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