Objective  The paper aims to explore the causes of premature aging and early yellowing between different trees.

  Method  Seven pairs of adjacent trees, with group A leaf being in green color and group B in yellow color at the time of September, were selected for leaves sampling in May and October respectively, and soil sampling in October. The leaf with parameters of pigments, soluble sugar and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were determined, and including the soil bulk density, moisture, pH and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

  Result  There were no differences in leaf color and total chlorophyll content between group A and B in May. Total chlorophyll contents in all leaves exceeded 60%. Group A has more carotenoid and anthocyanin than group B (P < 0.05), same as the total nitrogen (P < 0.05). However, both the leaf color and amount of chlorophyll a and b were significantly different between groups A and B in October, with group B being in less green color and lower chlorophyll content (P < 0.05). The total amounts of chlorophyll in groups A and B were 58.3% and 48.8%, while other pigment indices had no difference. The average total nitrogen in group A (14.07 g kg⁻¹) was higher than that in group B (12.73 g kg⁻¹), which were 34.4% and 32.2% lower than that in May. There were significant differences in bulk density and water content of soil layer 10-20cm between groups A and B, but no differences in soil nutrients which was generally at abundant level.

  Conclusion  The premature yellowing and differences in leaf color and chlorophyll among group A and B were connected with low nitrogen and phosphorus levels in leaf, which was the result of nutrient absorption disorder caused by compact soil. It was suggested that the campus management office to focus on soil loosen and soil nitrogen supply.