Dying Lemon Tree

I think my 8-10 year old dwarf lemon tree is dying. It has always produced a lot of lemons in the past. But over the last 3-4 months the leaves have turned yellow and slowly fallen off. Now the small branches are turning brown and shriveling up. I tried giving it more water and some citrus fertilizer, but this did nothing. I'm hoping it can be saved. One thing my husband suspected is that the soil ph balance may be changed because we have about 5 bird feeders hanging over the area where the lemon tree is, and we get a lot of birds and at times up to 11 squirrels running through the area. We have already had a rose bush die. Is it possible that the dropping from birds and squirrels have changed the ph balance? Also, can bird droppings on the branches kill the tree? Is there anything I can add to the soil or spray on the tree to save it? Right now I see no new growth.
Is there anything other that poisoning ground squirrels to keep them out? I just can't bring myself to do this. But they are damaging my garden. Is it possible that they are eating roots? In the past they have eaten the lemon leaves, but the tree always produced a lot more.

 

Neither the birds nor squirrels has cause your tree's problem. Although citrus preform at their optimum at a slightly acidic pH (6.5) citrus will do quite well over a rather large range (5 - 8.5). There is no way that advice can be given concerning your tree, on the little information you have supplied. Additional information and more importantly a picture of the problem is needed. - Millet

 

cponcar, Outside the thoughts of having a bird feeder was anything added such as Weed @ Feed or a sprinkler system?

 

Also the use of Roundup for weed control could damage trees from overspray on a windy day

 

Richard: We used no weed and feed, and the sprinkler system has been in place as long as the tree has been planted. I'm going to get a picture, hopefully tomorrow when the sunlight is best to show detail. I'm not sure how to post it, but I'll figure it out! This tree used to be a wonderful lush citrus bearer. Thank you for your input. Carol Poncar

 

Is this tree in the ground or in a container? If it is in a container, when was it repotted last?

 

Sounds like your problem is in the root zone. I would start there...

 

Carol, If your able to post any photos do some close up's on the leaves also. I find it odd that an 8-10 year old dwarf lemon is failing.