Citrus Tree Care

Location - A sunny, wind-free, southern exposure is best. Allow room for the tree's ultimate size. Standard trees range from 10 to 25 feet high, and as wide; dwarf trees range from 6 to 12 feet. A lawn is not a good place for a citrus tree because grass generally needs more water and fertilizer than what is good for a tree.

Soil - Fast drainage is essential. If soil drains slowly, don't attempt to plant citrus in it regardless of how you condition it. Instead, plant above soil level in raised beds or on a soil mound.

Planting in the Ground - Dig a hole three times as wide and deep as the root ball. Plant rootball high so that when finished it will be slightly above garden grade. First (upper) roots may be visible. Provide a generous water basin. Do not allow soil or mulch to cover the trunk. Back fill with a mixture of one half existing soil and one half LGM Planter Mix. Thoroughly mix amendment with existing soil. Fill water basin, let drain through, then fill again and drain a second time for thorough initial watering.

Watering - Citrus trees are sensitive to too much or too little water. They will not tolerate a soggy soil. For established trees, water deeply and infrequently, as opposed to frequent, shallow watering. A general guideline would be to water established plants about every two weeks to a depth of six feet. A trickling hose left on for 24 hours is an ideal way to water. Newly planted trees need water more frequently and should not be allowed to dry out for the first 2 to 3 months. Citrus trees planted in pots need water more often because of the restricted root space. The smaller the container, the more often you will need to water. Make sure to apply water long enough so that it drains out of the bottom of the container. Citrus trees appreciate frequent 'showers'. Spraying the trees down will keep the humidity high, and the leaves clean. This will also help discourage pests.

Fertilizing - Fertilize with Kellogg's Citrus & Fruit Tree Fertilizer. Follow directions on the label. Three to four applications a year, applied at 90 day intervals (except in winter) is recommended. Citrus trees in containers will need to be fertilized more often, because the frequent watering they require will quickly flush nutrients out of the soil. Yellowing leaves are usually an indication of lack of fertilizer (or too much water).

Pruning: - Citrus trees need little pruning. Prune only to remove, dead, diseased, broken, or sucker branches on mature trees. When trees have excessively dense foliage, some pruning is necessary to admit light into fruiting areas. If alternate fruit bearing (fruit every other year) is a problem, thin fruit during a heavy year. Keep in mind that the amount of foliage on the tree is directly related to the amount of fruit the tree will produce. Lemon trees tend to grow more upright and a moderate heading back (reducing height of tree) is sometimes suggested. This will reduce the crop somewhat, but will result in a more attractive tree.

Pests and Diseases - Citrus can get aphids, mites, whitefly, scale, and mealybugs. If the pests' natural enemies fail to handle the infestations, and jets of water fail to keep pests in check, spraying with horticultural oil will help. Copper bands will keep snails and slugs out of the trees. The few fungal ailments of citrus occur in poorly drained soil. Water molds, causing root rot, show up in yellowing and dropping foliage. The best control is to correct the watering schedule.

Sunburn - Citrus bark is easily damaged by the sun. Young trees are the most susceptible. Paint exposed bark with white wash or white indoor latex paint blended with an equal amount of water.