How Deep Are Meyer Lemon Tree Roots

The question of how deep are Meyer lemon tree roots is intriguing, as much of a tree’s life cycle depends on its roots being able to access a sufficient supply of water and nutrients. Meyer lemon trees, like many other citrus trees, have shallow root systems which can spread up to as much as two and a half metres horizontally, yet very rarely go any deeper than ninety centimetres. These roots form a fibrous, single plane of lateral spreading, just below the soil surface. While it is this shallow, distributed root structure which helps Meyer lemons to access and utilize water from rains and other sources of water, it also means that they are prone to damage from any kind of disturbance or activities near their roots, as they are highly sensitive.
Meyer lemon trees are also prone to drought, which can be a serious problem in some areas. The shallow root systems of these trees mean that they are not able to access deeper soil moisture reserves to help them survive hot, dry periods of weather. To reduce the impact of drought on Meyer lemons, during hot, dry periods of weather, properties with Meyer lemons trees should be sure to water them deeply, and regularly, throughout the off-season. This can help to water and nourish the roots, and also allow them to establish some deeper, more drought-resistant roots which can access deeper soil moisture reserves.
The shallow root systems of Meyer lemons can also mean that they require more frequent fertilization than other citrus trees. This is due to the fact that as the roots spread horizontally, they are not able to access the same nutrients that are larger lemon trees with more extensive perforated root systems can access from deeper layers of soil. In addition, Meyer lemon trees tend to grow in compacted soil, meaning that their shallow roots are not able to penetrate the more nutrient-rich deeper layers. To ensure that Meyer lemons are given the best chance of growing properly, it is important to regularly apply organic fertilizer in order to enrich the soil and make sure that the trees have access to the nutrients they need.
Meyer lemon trees can also be prone to pest and disease problems due to their shallow root systems. These shallow roots mean that the tree is less able to access the trace minerals and elements which can help to fight off pests and disease. As such, it is important to monitor Meyer lemons for any potential pest or disease problems, and to treat them promptly and effectively if any do arise. It is also important to ensure that any soil disturbance or heavy machinery activity near Meyer lemon trees is kept to a minimum in order to avoid damaging the shallow root systems, which can put the trees at a greater risk of disease and pest attack.

Soil Requirements

Meyer lemons trees grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. The warm climate of its native regions also means that Meyer lemons can be vulnerable to being uprooted in excessively cold weather, and it is important to make sure that the soil around Meyer lemons is not frozen or too compacted. If the soil does become overly compacted, it is important to aerate it to allow for greater root penetration, as this will help to keep the root system healthy and ensure that the tree is less likely to suffer from drought. Meyer lemons prefer well-drained soil, which helps to reduce the risk of rotting and disease, so it is important to make sure that the soil is not over-saturated with water.

Cultivation and Pruning

Meyer lemon trees can be easily grown from seed or propagated from cuttings, and do not require too much in terms of cultivation, as long as they are grown in the right environment. To get the best results from Meyer lemons, it is important to prune them regularly in order to promote a healthy root system and encourage fruit production. Pruning should be done evenly around the tree, removing any dead or damaged branches and cutting back any branches that are growing in an unnatural direction. It is also important to mulch around Meyer lemons to help with soil retention during hot and dry periods.

Exposure to Sun and Shade

Meyer lemons need full sun exposure in order to produce optimal fruit yields, but require some protection from the hot midday sun to prevent scorching. During the hottest periods of the year, it may be necessary to provide some shade for the tree in order to protect it from excessively high temperatures and water loss. Meyer lemons can also tolerate some light frost, so it is important to provide some protection during the winter months if necessary.

Fertilizing and Watering Requirements

Meyer lemons grow best when fertilized every six weeks during the growing season with a citrus-specific fertilizer. Watering should be done deeply and evenly throughout the growing season in order to support healthy root growth, and during dry periods extra attention should be paid to Meyer lemons in order to ensure that their shallow roots are not drying out. It may also be necessary to water Meyer lemons more frequently during extremely hot and dry weather in order to help the tree survive.

Harvesting and Storage

Meyer lemons typically reach maturity around nine to twelve months after being planted and can be harvested with either a pair of scissors or a sharp knife. Meyer lemons should be picked before they are completely ripened in order to ensure that their flavour is optimal and that they are less susceptible to damage. Once harvested, Meyer lemons should be kept in the fridge to maintain their freshness and flavour, or freeze them to keep them for longer. As with all citrus fruits, Meyer lemons are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and are a great addition to salads, desserts and cooking.

Pest and Disease Control

Meyer lemons are vulnerable to various pests and diseases due to their shallow root systems, and should be regularly monitored in order to detect any potential problems. The most common pests which affect Meyer lemons are spider mites, aphids and scale insects, which can all be treated with natural and manufactured pesticides. Disease problems which can affect Meyer lemons include sooty mould, anthracnose and citrus canker, and it is important to take preventive measures such as keeping the area around Meyer lemons clean and free of debris and weeds in order to reduce the risk of disease.

Weeding and Mulching

Weeds can cause problems for Meyer lemons as they can compete with the shallow roots of the tree for access to nutrients and water. Hand weeding is usually sufficient to keep weeds at bay, although some properties may choose to use herbicides if necessary. Mulching around Meyer lemon trees is also beneficial as it can help to improve soil fertility, keep soil temperatures even and retain moisture for the shallow root systems. A layer of organic mulch applied a few inches thick around Meyer lemons will provide beneficial protection for many months.