Citrus Trees

Citrus tree spacing depends on the variety (dwarf, semi-dwarf, or standard), with recommended distances ranging from 6-10 feet for dwarf trees, 10-15 feet for semi-dwarf, and 12-25 feet for standard varieties, though a minimum of 15 feet is often suggested for full-size trees.

Sunlight Requirements for Healthy Citrus Trees

Citrus trees thrive in bright, direct sunlight. To ensure strong growth, vibrant foliage, and a generous fruit harvest, your tree should receive a minimum 6 hours of full sun each day. Sunlight fuels the production of sugars within the leaves, which helps the tree develop flavorful, juicy fruit.

Instructions  How to plant citrus trees:

Plant citrus trees in an area that receives over 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, in well-draining soil. Plant about 10 feet apart for home or high-density orchards. Spacing when planting will affect the overall size and shape of the trees. 

Citrus Tree Planting Directions 

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the plant's container

2. Mix half the dug soil with the same amount of planting mix 

3. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the center of the hole with the top of the roots level with the ground 

4. Backfill the hole with the amended soil

5. Create a berm around the plant with the remaining soil

6. Spread planting mix like mulch inside the berm

7. Top-dress with fertilizer

8. Water until flooded

Watering - Irrigation Management - How to Water

How to: To water fruit trees, provide enough water to saturate the soil directly around the trunk before the tree’s leaves wilt. 

Quantity -  Deliver about 10 - 25 gallons of water per week during the growing season. 

Frequency-  Irrigation frequency depends on factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, soil type, and plant health. In general, water newly planted young trees twice per week during the growing season. Specifically, irrigate weekly in Early Spring, then 2 - 3 times per week as the weather warms during Spring and Summer. Reduce irrigation frequency in the Fall and Winter.

Lack of water, combined with high light and heat/water loss, causes the leaf's stomata to close, the leaf surface to heat up, and chlorophyll breakdown, resulting in the appearance of yellowing leaves. Nutrients move…

Types of Automatic Irrigation Systems -

Bubblers, sprinklers, and drips are the most common types of automatic irrigation systems. The duration a system should run depends on the emitter's flow rate. Automatic irrigation systems help ensure consistent watering times and quantity and reduce operator error.

Automatic Irrigation

Automatic irrigation systems increase efficiency by ensuring consistent watering times and amounts by reducing operator error. The duration a system should run depends on the flow rate. To determine your flow rate, collect the water over a set timeframe, or use a 2-4 GPM bubbler. Bubblers are very commonly used for fruit trees, but people also use drip and sprinkler systems.

By following these watering instructions, you can help ensure that your fruit trees receive the moisture they need to thrive and produce abundant, healthy fruit.

Citrus Tree Fertilization - How To Fertilize Citrus Trees

The numbers 7-3-3 on our organic fertilizer represent the N-P-K ratio, which indicates the percentage by weight of the three primary nutrients essential for plant health. 

Apply this fertilizer with a higher ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium in the Spring and Summer to promote plant growth. Use a fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus and potassium to nitrogen in the Winter or before plants flower to improve yields.

WHEN TO FERTILIZE:

Use 7-3-3 every three months from Spring (March-April) through the fall. Use 3-12-12 Harvest Booster before plants flower or during winter dormancy (December - January).

HOW MUCH FERTILIZER:

Apply 1 cup (150 grams) for every 1" diameter of the trunk or 15-gallon size. Apply 2 cups (300 grams) for every 2" diameter of the trunk or 25-gallon size.

HOW TO FERTILIZE:

Instructions: Till the top layer of the soil and create a ring/berm/watering well above ground around the tree's canopy to allow water to collect for the tree roots. Spread fertilizer above the roots, avoiding the trunk. Provide water to incorporate fertilizer into the soil.

Pruning

The size and shape of your citrus trees will depend on the cuts you've made in the past, which will also determine the tree's future growth. To effectively prune your citrus trees, first, you'll need to locate the tree's main trunk starting from the ground and lateral branches. Remove any dry branches, twigs, leaves, suckers, or water sprouts. Try to create an open center and balanced, symmetrical canopy.

You could also "Top" the plant. This is when you cut the main trunk of the plant early on to promote lateral growth instead of vertical growth. This is advantageous for fruit production because it will often provide larger yields.

Harvesting

To harvest the fruits of your labor, use pruning shears or sharp scissors to cut the stem close to the fruit, leaving a small piece of stem attached. Avoid pulling or twisting the fruit, as this can damage the fruit or the tree. Harvest when the fruit is at its peak ripeness, indicated by color and a slight softness to the touch. Most citrus trees produce spring flower blossoms in the late spring, and fruits are ripe in the winter and can stay on the tree into the following spring. Store citrus in a cool, dry place. Some varieties require refrigeration, while others do not.

Instructions on pest management for fruit trees:

• Monitor for Pests:
• Regularly inspect fruit trees for signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves, distorted growth, or the presence of insects or larvae.
• Keep an eye out for common fruit tree pests, including aphids, scale insects, mites, caterpillars, and fruit flies.
• Cultural Practices:
• Maintain good cultural practices, such as proper pruning, watering, and fertilizing, to promote healthy, resilient fruit trees that are better able to withstand pest attacks.
• Remove and destroy any fallen fruit, leaves, or other plant debris that may harbor pests or disease pathogens.
• Natural Predators:
• Encourage natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps, by providing habitat and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides that may harm beneficial insects.
• Plant flowering plants nearby to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help control pest populations.
• Physical Barriers:
• Install physical barriers, such as tree wraps or trunk guards, to protect fruit trees from crawling pests like ants and rodents.
• Use floating row covers or netting to exclude flying insects, birds, and other pests from accessing fruit trees.
• Biological Control:
• Consider using biological control methods, such as releasing beneficial nematodes or predatory insects, to target specific pests while minimizing harm to non-target organisms.
• Introduce parasitic wasps, predatory mites, or other natural enemies of pest insects to help control populations without the need for chemical pesticides.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
• Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that combines multiple pest control strategies, including cultural, biological, physical, and chemical methods, to effectively manage pest populations while minimizing environmental impact.
• Monitor pest populations regularly and use thresholds to determine when intervention is necessary, prioritizing the use of non-chemical control methods whenever possible.
• Selective Pesticide Use:
• Use chemical pesticides as a last resort and only when non-chemical methods have proven ineffective or when pest populations exceed acceptable thresholds.
• Selectively choose pesticides that are least harmful to beneficial insects, pollinators, and the environment, and follow label instructions carefully to minimize risks to human health and the ecosystem.