Plants that grow in alkaline soil usually suffer from iron and manganese deficiencies resulting in chlorosis.
Alkaline soil is a pH of 7.0 or higher.  
Chlorosis is the yellowing at the tips of shoots and between the veins on leaves.  It will also cause dieback of branches.  The plant or tree will not thrive and could die unless proper care is taken.
For Iron deficiency apply iron (FerriPlus) and manganese in chelated (sequestered) form to the soil in January or February.  Kelp is another alternative.  It contains iron but if you have a severe iron deficiency you should use the chelated iron for faster absorption.  Once the deficiency is corrected use Kelp as a maintenance supplement.  
For alkaline soil apply sulphur (Sof’n soil or Tiger Sulphur) annually.  An ideal time to apply would be late winter. General guide is 4 oz. Per sq. yard in sandy loam and 8 oz per yard in heavy loam.  The overuse of sulphur can be toxic to the plants and soil.  It’s better to under use then overuse.
Keep in mind, if you are always keeping an eye on your plants and trees it is easier to correct problems at early stages and much less time consuming!