What Is the Problem if Some of the Leaves on My Lemon Tree Are Turning Yellow & Dropping Off?

Lemon trees are versatile plants that can even produce fruit indoors. Although the lemon tree's popularity has a lot to do with the fruit it provides, it is also valued as an ornamental tree because of its deep-green, shiny foliage.

Cause

If the lemon tree isn't getting enough magnesium from the soil, the leaves will turn yellow and fall from the tree. Magnesium deficiencies are quite common on lemon trees grown in the U.S.

Symptoms

Initially, the leaves produce a yellow-green spot near the base. This area grows until there is only one spot of green at the tip of the leaves and one at the base. If the magnesium deficiency is severe, the leaves will drop from the tree.

Solutions

Check the soil pH. If it is low to neutral, adding dolomite to the soil will help correct the deficiency. If the lemon tree is planted in alkaline soil (soils with high pH), the magnesium will need to be sprayed on the foliage.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: A Guide to Citrus Nutritional Deficiency and Toxicity Identification ?
• Purdue University: Lemon