What tree is this?

[DianaDodd]

 

[Jason]

Hi @DianaDodd,

Could we please trouble you for some more photos? A closer shot of one of the leaves might assist. At first glance it looks like a grafted citrus tree to me - most likely a lemon or a lime. 

What is the history of the plant? Have you ever seen flowers or fruit on it?

Thanks,

Jason

[DianaDodd]

 

 haven't seen any flower or fruit. We are renting any only moved in a few months ago. 

[EricL]

Hello @DianaDodd 

Thank you for posting that second picture of the plant. Looking at the shape of the leaf and the pattern on its surface, it could either be a lemon or citrus tree. 

Have you put in any type of fertilizer on the plant? How often do you water it? I only ask because it looks like the leaves are curling and you might have an insect infestation.

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @Adam_W for their opinion.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[DianaDodd]

Thank you so much, it was looking really run down when we moved in. We haven't put any fertilizer on it yet. Just watering every second day. Would love some more help on how to bring it back and what insect infestation it might have. Thank you for all your help.

[Noelle]

Hi @DianaDodd 

I'd start by lifting those pavers or bricks from around and over the tree's root system. Tree roots need aeration as well as moisture and both will be minimal with the amount of coverage (and soil compaction) immediately over the roots.

Don't dig the soil over the roots as citrus (which the leaf indicates the tree may be) have shallow fibrous roots that dislike disturbance. However, you can lightly rake the top few centimetres of soil to loosen it and improve moisture penetration. Once that's done a layer of compost or organic mulch (sugarcane or similar) would be beneficial.

Fertilising now, depending on where you live, is not the best option coming into the cooler months of the year.  A seaweed plant tonic like Seasol may be beneficial but hold off on the citrus food until late winter/early spring.

The leaves don't appear to be curling due to insect or disease attack - my opinion is the tree is suffering from its current growing conditions. Get rid of the pavers and it should show improvement.

[DianaDodd]

Thank you so very much. Will definitely do that.