So the Mexican Lime tree in my back yard had a great year and grew to almost 4 times its size (it was a new planting, so this is not so amazing). My yardman, who has patiently been cutting round the bottom of it for months now, finally got tired of the extra work, and trimmed off some branches close to the bough to allow the mower to get under it without trouble. So my question is this: it has limes on it from the latest blossoming (anywhere from a week ago to last month), but I am worried about bugs getting into the open ends where branches used to be. I remember from my youth my father covering the ends of such places with some type of black liquid which would keep out the termites. Is this advisable for a fruit tree which is in the process of fruiting, is it passe and no longer done, or should I do it, but not until the limes we have ripen? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I live in Laredo, Texas if that is helpful to know. Dr.G
If you put a mulch ring around your trees there should be no problem with mowing. http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx Newt
I call it "chasing the grass". Pull the grass back away from the tree. When lawn is advancing on other plants in beds, supported by string trimmers and mowers coming along behind, the turf will win.
Actually, I had done that. The bottom branches, however, were about three inches off the ground by the end, (it was/is a rather small tree). He has not been mowing into it (i.e. going up to the bark) but rather having to dodge an 8ft diameter circle of grass where the branches (outside of the Mulch Ring) were down by the ground. Now, with the bottom 15 inches branch free, he can get to the fence without hitting the tree at all (which was his point). You can see the Before and After here: Before the cutting: http://doctorgamgee.com/meafterlime.jpg After the cutting: http://doctorgamgee.com/cutlime.jpg
UPDATE: Any suggestions . . . So the tree seemed to be doing fine throughout November and the first week or two of December. Then about a week ago, we had a cold snap (for our weather -- nothing like BC), where it got down to 30 degrees. The tree was being rather neurotic. It had fully grown limes from this summer's blooming, some that were about 5 weeks old from another which came in during November, and there were even blooms on it and a few barbie limes (as my wife calls the babies) coming in. Everything seemed to be doing OK. Then last week, after the cold, the entire top half of the tree lost its leaves, there are still a few of the midbloom limes coming in, but all of the barbie limes and blooms died. I am rather worried about it (though perhaps I shouldn't be). Any idea what is going on, or any suggestions as to how to help it? It is obviously not a crop tree, only for decoration. Still, I hate to see it doing so poorly. Could there be any grub type insect which would account for this? I only ask as the back lawn seems to be browning and we have a sprinkler system? Thanks, DrG
Limes do not do well at freezing without protection. Key limes are best grown as container plants where temperatures go below mid 30s. I have several in containers and put them inside whenever temps are prediceted to go below 40. Skeet
You could make a burlap [Hessian] tent for it with 4 stakes a wrapp and a lid. Don't put it too close but it should create a mini climate. You put the overcoat on when frosts threaten. Saw this done by my father at a higher altitude than me and subject to a few frosts. He also had it growing near a stone wall a part of the micro climate. I grow mine in the garden where they are fine but Skeeterbug is right re the pots and being able to move them. You could put it on a 3 wheeled pot cart (dolly)?? Liz
