Please help me identify what is wrong with my lime tree, and what I can do to correct the problem. I planted a 4ft tall 2 1/2in di Mexican lime tree 3 months ago in 3/4 day full sun,(Goodyear Arizona) I planted the tree in a hole twice the size of it's 24 inch base using compost to refill the dirt I dug out of the hole. I painted the base of the tree white and used granular citrus fertilizer + some miracle grow mixed into the compost. I water 4 gallons every three days. After an initial burst of growth and flowering a couple of branches died (dried out and became very brittle) on the remaining branches a lot of fruit fell off and the leaves started to curl and turn brown at the tips. Some leaves turned partially yellow. My existing soil is mostly clay mixed with dirt that drains very slowly. Any suggestions? Thanks Dolen
Overwatering is the major cause of citrus tree death in the hands of individuals. In addition, you made things much worse by trying to be good to your tree-- digging a large hole and filling it with compost. With poor draining natural soil around it, your tree is sitting in a very small pond. Your tree will surely die if not replanted in a hole that is just barely larger than the rootball and filled with native soil. Don't water the tree unless the soil is DRY --2 to 3 inches deep. Skeet
My friend Skeeter, is absolutely correct. You are killing your tree with the kindness you thought you were giving the tree by providing a large hole, with all sorts of goodies in the back fill. The hole should be just a VERY little bit larger than the root ball, and ONLY put back into the hole, the dirt that was ORIGINALLY taken out. Remember, there is no well fair plan for a citrus tree. - Millet
