Do Lime Trees Lose Their Leaves in the Fall?

The fruit of the lime tree

The evergreen lime tree does not lose its leaves in the fall. Leaf drop on a lime tree indicates an environmental problem, such as inadequate light or water. Pests and disease can also cause a lime tree to lose its leaves.

Temperature

Lime trees may lose their leaves after a freeze. Severe cold temperatures can cause damage to the wood and bark that causes immediate shedding of leaves as well as leaf drop after an initial period of spring growth. Cold-damaged lime trees may also drop fruit.

Light

Lime trees require a minimum of six hours of light every day. Indoor trees may require the assistance of a grow light to prevent leaves from dropping.

Water

Inadequate water causes lime trees to dry out and can eventually cause leaves to drop regardless of the season. Excessively soggy soil leads to root rot, which prevents leaves from properly absorbing the water they need. Trees suffering from leaf drop due to improper watering can slowly recover by keeping the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.

Pests

Scale insects and mites can cause lime trees to drop leaves if the infestation becomes severe. Check lime trees frequently for irregular bumps on the trunk or woody portions of the tree. Scale bugs attach themselves to the wood and suck out the sap, causing leaves to drop. Tiny spider mites attach themselves to leaves and may leave small traces of webbing around new growth.

Solutions

Lightly prune lime trees that drop all their leaves to encourage new growth. Provide adequate light, water, and quick-draining soil. Many lime trees recover from ailments that cause leaf drop.

References

• Texas A&M University: Home Fruit Production: Citrus
• Four Winds Growers: Bloom Drop, Fruit Drop, Leaf Drop and Twig Dieback
• Citrus Tree Care: Citrus Insects and Disease