How to Care for a New Lemon Tree

Lemons growing on tree

Lemon trees are a popular choice among citrus trees planted in landscapes across the country. Lemon trees can grow to heights ranging from 20 to 30 feet and are known for their tropical beauty and tangy fruit. Lemon trees are very cold-sensitive and grow best in warmer climates with mild winters. Growing a lemon tree requires regular care to ensure a healthy environment exists. Caring for a new lemon tree begins right after planting.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Mulch
• Water

1. Use a shovel and soil (leftover from the hole or somewhere else) to construct a watering ring surrounding the newly transplanted lemon tree. Pile up the soil to create a wall around the tree that measures at least 2 feet in diameter.

2. Fill the ring with water and allow draining. Continue to water the new lemon tree every other day for two weeks and then water it weekly, until the water ring naturally disappears into the soil. After this time, only water the lemon tree when the top 1 or 2 inches of soil dries.

3. Add a 3- to 6-inch layer of mulch around the new lemon tree to deter weeds and to maintain moist soil conditions. Keep the mulch at least 1 foot away from the trunk of the tree and extend it out to a diameter of 3 feet.

4. Apply a small amount of citrus fertilizer around the lemon tree once growth begins. Repeat each six weeks through summer. Water the lemon tree after fertilizing to ensure the nutrients reach the soil.

5. Inspect the lemon tree often for any signs of diseases or pests. Check the entire tree for any changes in appearance. Contact your area extension office to identify the problem and to learn about the treatment required.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out which precise fertilizers to use on your new citrus tree through testing the soil at the local extension office. Ask for recommendations and instructions according to test results.

• Do not fertilize a lemon tree for the first two years from the end of summer to February to prevent growth from occurring through the cold season.

References

• Texas A&M University Extension: Home Fruit Production-Lemons
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide-Young Tree Care
• Planting a Citrus Tree: Post-Planting Care

Resources

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide
• TreeHelp: Citrus Tree Care
• Texas A&M University Extension: Home Fruit Production-Citrus
• USDA: Cooperative Extension System Offices