A Survey to Determine the Leaf Nitrogen Concentrations of 25 Landscape Tree Species    (View PDF)

Ed Perry and Gary W. Hickman

Abstract: A survey was conducted to determine the concentrations of leaf nitrogen in 25 landscape tree species. Leaf samples were taken from mature, healthy trees in the landscape and analyzed for percent (total) nitrogen. Concentrations ranged from 1.0% (dry weight basis) for deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) and Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) to 3.6% for white mulberry (Moms alba). The leaf nitrogen levels determined by the current study were compared to two other published surveys. From a practical standpoint, the list of tree species and their corresponding minimum leaf nitrogen values from visually healthy trees will allow arborists and landscape maintenance professionals to more effectively use leaf analysis for diagnosing nitrogen deficiency. The information can also be used for designing fertilizer programs, much as critical leaf nutrient level guides are currently used in the fruit and nut tree industries.

Keywords: Nitrogen; leaf nitrogen; leaf analysis.

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2001.017