Lemon tree care and upkeep question?

Question

I just moved to a duplex that has a small back yard and a lemon tree.

I would like to learn of the care and upkeep of it so that I can have yummy lemons! Also, I'd don't want it to die on me!

Additional Tree info:

*The tree is already producing lemons that haven't ripened for quite sometime.

*It's rather a tall tree. (I'm 5'1'' and it's 3-4ft over me!)

*Some of the leaves are starting to yellow. :( We're in a drought. I try to give it water, but I don't know how much.

So, my questions are:

Should I prune it? If so, how much should I take off?

Should I trim some of the unripe lemons off?

How much water does it need?

Does it need any additional nutrients? (Like fertilizer or plant food)

Your answers would be much appreciated. No smartA$$ answers please they will not be tolerated.

Answer 1

Your tree is being stressed by the drought.

Lemon trees need BOTH proper feeding and watering to thrive. You need to fertilize your tree every four to six weeks from February to August....roughly once every month or so...just prior to and during the fruit production season.

As for watering:

.

"...Step1

Install drip emitters or sprinklers beneath the tree or build a 6 to 8 inch high soil basin around the outside of the tree (just outside the canopy of leaves).

Step2

Run the emitters or sprinklers until the soil is wet to a depth of 3 to 4 feet.

Step3

Fill the soil basin with water, let it drain, and repeat at least twice until the soil is wet to a depth of 3 to 4 feet.

Step4

Check water penetration by pushing a stiff metal bar, wooden dowel or soil probe into the soil. The bar or dowel will move easily through wet soil, stop when it reaches dry.

Step5

Water again when the top 6 to 8 inches of soil is dry. Most citrus will need water every 8 to 12 days in midsummer. Water less in cooler weather or if it rains.

Step6

Mulch the area under the canopy with 3 to 4 inches of organic material.

Step7

Add more emitters or increase the width of the basin as the tree grows. ..."

Check out this site for more info on growing lemon trees:

http://www.ehow.com/how_3638_grow-lemon-...

Answer 2

If you have a lemon tree with fruit that hasn't ripened in a long time, maybe it's a lime tree. As for care, these trees are very hardy and as long as they have plenty of sun they do well. Occasional fertilization is always a good idea but not a must do. Nurseries can give you advice on fertilizer. They will also know what is best for your area and type of soil you already have. Occasional water is best and prune only if it gets too big.