Why are the leaves falling off my lemon tree?

A: Citrus tend naturally to drop some leaves during blossoming and fruit formation, but the tree should not drop the majority of its leaves during this time. Some common causes of leaf drop include high heat and wind, nutrient deficiencies, overly dry or salty soils. Another possibility is the tree has root rot.

Will the leaves grow back on my lemon tree?

Lemon trees can regrow their leaves when they are in full sun, watered once per week with a generous soak, misted with water on the remaining leaves and protected from temperatures cooler then 50° F (10°C). The lemon tree often recovers when there is more sun in the early spring with new leaves starting to emerge.

How often should you water a lemon tree?

With ground-planted citrus trees, watering should happen about once a week, whether from rainfall or manually. Be sure the area has excellent drainage and that you soak the ground deeply at each watering. If the drainage is poor, the tree will get too much water.

How do you revive a lemon tree without leaves?

The problem only gets worse until corrected, so an extreme nitrogen deficiency can produce a lemon tree with no leaves or one that looks like it’s dying. Apply composted manure around the base of the tree – taking care not to let it touch the trunk – and water it deeply to help the nutrients soak in.

How do I know if my lemon tree has root rot?

Symptoms of Armillaria root rot in lemon trees include a decline in the tree’s health, yellow leaves, defoliation, and smelly white fan-shaped growths called mycelial plaques under the bark. Thin black strands called rhizomorphs are present at the roots and spread the infection as they grow through the soil.

How do you fix an overwatered lemon tree?

Water regularly and be sure that the soil remains moist but don’t allow roots to soak in too much water. Oregon State University recommends sticking your finger in the dirt up to your second knuckle and watering if the soil is dry. Feed your tree with a citrus fertilizer in the summer months.

What do I do if my lemon tree has root rot?

Cutting back on watering helps to control the spread of Phytophthora root rot. Severely infected trees may benefit from application of mefenoxam or fosetyl-al fungicides, following all label directions carefully.

Why are the leaves on my lemon tree turning yellow and falling off?

Very often the yellow leaves or chlorosis on a citrus tree is caused by over watering or a nutrient deficiency. Citrus need regular water especially in the warm months but over watering can leach nutrients from the soil and cause root rot. Often the leaves on an over watered tree will turn yellow and drop.