How to treat dwarf meyer lemon tree with yellowing leaves?

[rmrama]

Hi all and thanks for looking at my question. I've read and am aware of the options for treating yellowing leaves.  However I'm not sure how to determine cause.

I'm at Knoxfield Vic and my house is built on clay soil. The tree is planted into a rather large hole I dug last Dec. Filled up with seasol garden soil and richgro mushroom compost. Have been using a combination of Charlie carp pellets, power feed liquid, go go juice and seasol solution. Not all at once though. Especially go go and seasol. 

The tree has been growing well but I've noticed leave yellowing since spring. Lots of flower buds have formed the past month. Not sure if the yellowing is related. Pics will also show the tree growing actively to one side. I've trimmed the front side as the leaves on the branches were drying up. 

Tree gets about 2-³ hours of daily sun for now. Duration will increase as the days progress. Then pretty much nothing into the colder months.  

Any advise will be appreciated. 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @rmrama,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it's wonderful to have you with us. Also, many thanks for your question about your dwarf meyer lemon tree.

As you're aware, yellowing leaves can be related to nutrient imbalances, and by the sounds of your product applications, it is more likely an overabundance or inability to uptake those nutrients than a lack of nutrients. I'd suggest reducing the number of products you are using by switching over to a slow-release, citrus-focused fertiliser such as this Scotts Osmocote Citrus and Fruit Controlled Release Fertiliser. For the time being, I would halt your product applications and wait a month or so before applying the slow-release fertiliser following the manufacturer's application instructions closely. This will simplify the process and ensure your tree is getting the right amount of nutrients.

Soil PH may also be a factor. If the PH of the soil is off, this can affect your tree's ability to intake those nutrients. Lemon trees like slightly acidic soil, between 5.5 and 6.5. Grab a Manutec Garden Care Products Soil PH Test Kit, test the soil and make adjustments accordingly. If the PH needs to be increased, add Richgro Natural Garden Lime, if it needs to be reduced add Yates Sulfur Soil Improver Granules.

Another potential reason for the yellowing is the clay soil. Clay soil tends to retain moisture, which can lead to waterlogging. While you've added good organic matter, the tree could still be struggling with drainage if the surrounding clay holds too much water. Improving drainage can be done by aerating the soil around the tree with a garden fork and adding Yates Gypsum Clay Breaker Soil Improver Granules. 

You should also always check the top 3-5cm of soil before watering. If the soil is damp, wait a few days before testing again. If the soil is dry, then water away.

You might also like to check out How To Grow And Care For a Lemon Tree for some additional guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[rmrama]

Hi Jacob. Thank you for replying with so much information. I'll carry out a pH test as soon as possible.

I agree with you regarding soil. I got to dig about half a meter down before I hit hard rock. I then went side ways and made the hold a meter wide and filled it with a lot of compost, potting mix and garden soil.Ive watered sparingly for the exact reasons you've mentioned. Mostly to apply seasol and power feed. I get concerned when it rains a few days a week though. The ground soaks in and take awhile to dry up. 

I've listed a few products but perhaps should have mentioned that I leave at least a month before applying the next round. For example, I apply slow release Charlie carp pellets every quarter and liquid power feed once a month. I apply seasol every 2 weeks. Go go juice about 6 weeks once but with proper gap before and after seasol. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @rmrama,

Can I please have you take a look at the graft line for your plant. I believe I've marked it with a blue arrow below. The entire branch (sucker) marked with the red arrow appears to be growing from under the graft line. If it is, it's a sucker from the rootstock and needs to be removed as it is not a Meyer lemon. This sucker is likely draining much energy from your Meyer.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell 

[rmrama]

Hi Mitchell, 

Thanks for getting back. I've taken a few, from different angles. Going just on definition, the lower branch does look like a sucker. The branch is the tallest, has bigger leaves (some the same size as the main graft) and has thorns. Flowers look the same as the main graft though. There is one yellowing from the ground. It's not been doing well and I had no idea why. If it's one of those suckers, just as well. I'll just cut it nearer to the trunk.  

[MitchellMc]

That's a tough one, @rmrama, as your graft line is not very definitive. Undoubtedly the lowest branch that almost goes sideways and has the big thorns is a sucker and needs to be cut off. Do any of the other branches also have those very large thorns?

Mitchell

[rmrama]

The sucker is now gone! Pity though, it looks really healthy. The other branches don't have thorns and are not showing any signs of thorns developing. Some of them are still small, so it remains to be seen I suppose. 

[EricL]

Hello @rmrama 

Thank you very much for the update, I'm glad you got rid of the sucker. All we can hope for now is that your lemon tree recovers.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[rmrama]

Thank you all for everything. I'll keep managing the tree by pruning and apply all the advise given. 

I'm good for now thank you!