Lemon trees can bring a lot of joy to your garden or indoor space. However, when your lemon tree starts to develop yellow leaves, it can be worrying. There are a few potential causes for yellow leaves on a lemon tree, and identifying the cause is the first step in fixin’ it. Here are some of the most common causes and how to resolve them.
Problem 1: Underwaterin’
Underwaterin’ a lemon tree can cause the leaves to become yellow. The tree needs regular waterin’, so make sure it is gettin’ sufficient water. This can depend on the weather, the pot size and the soil, but a tree will typically need between 1 and 2 inches of water per week. If the leaves still remain yellow after waterin’, the leaves may have become irreversibly damaged. In this case, you will need to prune the yellow leaves to allow for new growth and to promote health for the species.
Problem 2: Overwaterin’
On the other hand, overwaterin’ a lemon tree can be just as damaging as underwaterin’ it. When the root system of the tree is over-saturated in water, it can cause the oxygen supply to the leaves to be cut off. As a result, the leaves will quickly become yellow. To resolve this issue, you need to reduce the amount of water you’re providin’ and make sure to wait until the soil has dried out until waterin’ again. Overwaterin’ is sometimes a result of saucers that collect water underneath the pot. It’s important to check these saucers and empty them as needed. If the problem persists, consider replacin’ the soil with a more draining type.
Problem 3: Deficiencies
Throughout the lemon tree’s growth cycle, it needs a variety of nutrients to develop and remain healthy. If the lemon tree is not gettin’ enough of required elements such as nitrogen or manganese, the leaves can start to yellow. To test for these deficiencies, take a soil sample from your tree’s roots and send it for testing. Once you have discovered which nutrients are missin’, you can supplement the soil with the necessary fertilizers.
Problem 4: Cold Temperatures
If you’re livin’ in an area that experiences cold temperatures, you need to take extra precautions to make sure your lemon tree is safe. Even though citrus trees can handle cold temperatures, they can still suffer damage if exposed to it for too long. When a lemon tree is exposed to cold temperatures, the leaves can become yellow and sometimes even drop off. To prevent this from happening, make sure to keep your lemon tree in a protected space that is at least 45°F.
Problem 5: Excess Heat
If your lemon tree’s leaves are turnin’ yellow, it might not just be from exposure to cold temperatures. When trees are exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight for long periods of time, it can also cause the leaves to turn yellow. To stop this from happening, make sure to keep your lemon tree in a shaded area and away from excessive heat. This means avoidin’ windowsills that get direct sunlight, as well as makin’ sure the tree is not too close to a heater.
Problem 6: Pests and Diseases
Sometimes, yellow leaves on a lemon tree can be a sign that there are pests or diseases present. Common citrus pests include aphids, scale and mealybugs, which can all infest a tree and cause leaves to yellow. To resolve a pest issue, use organic pesticides or insecticidal soaps. Citrus trees are also prone to certain diseases, such as greasy spot and bacterial canker. To fix a disease issue, you will need to prune the affected leaves and branches to prevent the infection from spreadin’, as well as treatin’ the tree with fungicides or special citrus sprays.
Problem 7: Poor Drainage
Your lemon tree needs good drainage in order for it to remain healthy. If the soil does not drain properly, the roots of the tree will become waterlogged and potentially damaged. The result of this can be yellow leaves, so it is important to ensure that the pot you are usin’ has sufficient drainage holes. If the tree is planted in the ground, you can create drainage by layerin’ the soil with rocks or other drainage materials.
Conclusion
When dealin’ with yellow leaves on a lemon tree, there are a few potential causes to consider. Underwaterin’ and overwaterin’ the tree, as well as deficiencies, cold temperatures, excess heat and pests and diseases, can all affect the health of the tree and cause its leaves to turn yellow. It is also important to ensure that your lemon tree is planted in a pot or area that has good drainage. Identifyin’ the cause of the problem is the best way to ensure that your tree gets healthy once again.
