Lemon trees, like any other tree, are evergreen meaning they don’t shed their leaves. However, they can lose their leaves and when they do they usually grow new ones in as little as six weeks. Lemon trees can lose their leaves and stems due to a variety of causes. Some of these causes include nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases, as well as climate changes or even improper soil conditions. To understand how to maintain a healthy lemon tree, and prevent it from losing its leaves, it’s important to consider each of these causes.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can be one of the main causes of a lemon tree losing its leaves. Most strawberry-producing trees need proper nutrition to remain healthy. Lemon trees need macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. If the quantities of these nutrients are not balanced, it can lead to a lemon tree losing its leaves. The leaves of a lemon tree can also yellow when it is deficient in iron, which commonly occurs when there is either a lack of iron or calcium in the soil.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can damage a lemon tree’s leaves and, in turn, cause it to lose its leaves. The most common pests and diseases found on lemon trees are aphids, whitefly, stem cankers, leaf spot blight, and root rot. To prevent pests and diseases from damaging your tree, it is important to regularly monitor your tree and take action when necessary. Common treatments for pest and diseases on lemon trees include removing affected leaves and stems, pruning, and using insecticidal soaps or natural remedies.
Climate Changes
Climate changes can also be a cause of the lemon tree losing its leaves. Lemon trees tend to do best in sunny and dry climates, but they can also withstand some cold temperatures. When exposed to excessive cold, or rapid and dramatic changes in temperature, lemon trees can lose their leaves. To ensure that your lemon tree doesn’t lose its leaves due to climate change, try to keep its surroundings consistent and provide it with protective covering during cold spells.
Improper Soil Conditions
Another cause of a lemon tree losing its leaves is improper soil conditions. Leaning citrus trees can be due to planting them in overly wet soils. Improper water levels are also a common issue that can cause a lemon tree to lose its leaves. When there is too much or too little water, the tree can’t take up enough of the essential nutrients needed to survive, resulting in leaf loss. For your lemon tree to maintain its foliage, make sure it is planted in an area with well-draining soil and watered consistently throughout the year.
Protective Measures
To make sure your lemon tree doesn’t lose its leaves, it is important to take protective measures. Regularly monitor your lemon tree for signs of nutrient deficiencies, pests and diseases, and climate changes. Prune off affected leaves and stems to keep pests and diseases at bay, water consistently, and provide protective covering during cold months. Additionally,make sure to fertilize your lemon tree on a regular basis to ensure it is getting the proper balance of essential nutrients.
Signs of Unhealthy Plants
In order to know whether or not your lemon tree is healthy, it is important to look out for signs of unhealthy plants. Signs of an unhealthy lemon tree include yellowing or dropping of leaves, stunted growth, cracked or discolored fruit, and black spots on the leaves or fruit. If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately to prevent your lemon tree from losing its leaves. Consider adding supplemental nutrients or re-pasting the tree in well-draining soil.
Conclusion
Lemon trees don’t shed their leaves like other trees, but they can still lose their leaves due to nutrient deficiencies, pests and diseases, climate changes, and improper soil conditions. To keep your lemon tree healthy and prevent it from losing its leaves, regularly monitor for signs of illness, take protective measures such as pruning and protective covering, and provide it with the proper balance of essential nutrients. By following these tips, you can ensure that your lemon tree stays healthy and retains its leaves.
