As the growing season winds down, maples put on a spectacular show with those iconic yellow and red hues we all love. But here’s the thing: while fall colors are totally normal, seeing yellow leaves pop up too early is a major red flag. If you’re a maple owner, you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled and act fast!
Why Is My Maple Turning Yellow Early?
If your maple starts yellowing before autumn hits, it’s time to play detective. While it doesn’t always mean the tree is a goner, ignoring the signs can seriously zap its energy and lead to the same headache year after year. Here are the three most common culprits behind yellow (and even brown) leaves:
- Drought stress
- Nutrient deficiency
- Sunburn (too much direct sun)
Drought Stress
Maples are shallow-rooted trees, meaning their roots hang out just below the soil surface. While they can eventually adapt and grow deeper roots over time, it takes a few years to get there. If you hit a long dry spell, your maple can run out of water pretty quickly.
If your tree is looking thirsty, give it a deep, thorough soak immediately. Don’t just pour water right at the base of the trunk; the root system spreads out wide, so make sure you’re covering a large area. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again (just do the “finger test” to check).
Pro Tip:
If you’re growing a potted maple, water it until you see it running out of the drainage holes. Avoid getting water on the leaves themselves—maples aren’t big fans of overhead sprinkling.
Nutrient Deficiency
Maple trees are hungry fellas and need a steady supply of nutrients to stay healthy. If your tree has been neglected for a while, it’s time to treat it to some high-quality fertilizer at the right time. Here’s a quick refresher on how to fertilize your maple:
- Apply compost in the fall and spring (about 3 liters per square meter).
- Alternatively, use about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of horn meal.
- Work it into the soil very gently—damaged roots are an open invitation for fungal infections.
- For patio maples, stick with a liquid fertilizer.
- Feed them from March through September.
- Always follow the dosage on the label.
Intensive Sunlight
In a full-sun spot, a maple will only stay green through the summer if the soil stays consistently moist. Otherwise, that harsh midday sun can actually scorch the leaves. If your tree is in a pot, simply move it to a shadier spot. If it’s in the ground and still young (under five years old), you can usually transplant it to a better location without hurting the roots too much.
