I planted a tangerine tree this spring, which bloomed wonderfully. I have recently noticed that the leaves are starting to curl on the top of the tree. What is causing this? I am new to citrus trees and I water every two days and fertilize once a month. Thank you.
Can you post a picture of the leaves? You might have bugs, or it might be nothing worse than sun damage.
Watering every 2 days is probably the problem. Inground trees only need water during extended drought, and then only once a week or less.
Skeet is generally correct about the proper watering of an older tree, I think he did not realize that your tree is a newly planted tree (just this spring). Your tree will need somewhat more frequent watering's as the young tree's root system has not as yet spread out much into the surrounding soil. I think that there is probably nothing wrong with the tree. It is just direct sun, warmer days, and a small root system. Curling of the leaves is the trees method of adjusting it transpiration. Just be careful not to add too much water. Stick you finger into the soil to determining how much soil water is remaining from your last irrigation. Good luck, enjoy your tree. - Millet
I did not realize it was a freshly planted tree, however, even then every other day is a bit much past the first few weeks. I would cut back to every 3-4 days for the rest of this summer.
here are a few pics of my tree. Now the fruit buds are drying up and the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. My soil is sandy. I live in the panhandle of Fl
After seeing a picture of your tree, I have to agree stronger with Skeet. Watering a tree every 2 days as small as your tree is leaching a majority of the nitrogen and potassium out of the root zone, and probably over supplying the tree with water. The fruit buds is not a problem. A citrus tree will only retain 5 percent of the original fruitlets. Then after the "June Drop" period, will only retain approximately 1-2 percent of the fruit. It is always best for a young tree not to let a the tree produce fruit for the first three years. You want foliage growth, during the early years, not fruit. Young citrus trees produce very inferior fruit for the first 4-5 years anyway. You are watering and worrying too much. - Millet
Thanks for the info. I didn't even realize that the buds are supposed to drop off! Yes, I am worrying......................it's like a child. All alone in the middle of the lawn...haha..
I can't tell for sure, but it looks like you have grass under the tree, if so, you should remove it. It is best the have a vegetation free area of at least 2-3 ft in diameter.
