Meyer lemon trees are prized for their sweet, delicate lemons and beautiful foliage. However, the cold winter temperatures in many parts of the country can be detrimental to this special citrus tree. Fortunately, with the proper care and precautions, you can ensure your Meyer lemon tree is healthy and safe during the cold winter months.
In order to care for your Meyer lemon tree in winter, you need to prepare the tree for the cold temperatures. Reduce the water intake of your tree in the fall, and gradually stop fertilization when the nights become colder. The tree should be clear of fallen leaves, fruit and debris to make sure the tree can handle the cold. Pruning is also necessary to reduce the amount of surface area exposed to the cold air. In addition, you should wrap the tree’s trunk in burlap or some other insulator to help contain heat.
In order to keep your Meyer lemon tree safe in the winter, provide extra protection if the temperatures dip too low. You can make a cloche tent with a white plastic sheet to provide a layer of insulation. You can also buy a frost cloth to drape over the tree when temperatures drop. If temperatures get too low and there is no way to protect your tree with a cover, you should consider bringing it indoors or to a location with warmer temperatures.
If your Meyer lemon tree does not survive the cold winter months, you can help it make a comeback in the spring. Planting a lemon tree in a container is your best bet as it allows you to use a frost cloth or cloche tent to protect the plant in case of an exceptionally cold winter. In spring, remove the existing burlap or frost cloth and begin fertilizing the tree. Provide extra water if you notice the tree is not producing new growth.
Overall, with the proper care and precautions, you can protect your Meyer lemon tree from the cold winter temperatures. Make sure to reduce water intake and stop fertilization in fall, prune the tree to reduce its surface area exposed to cold air, and provide extra protection in the form of cloche tents or frost cloths if winter temperatures become too cold. If necessary, you can also consider bringing the tree indoors or to a location with higher temperatures.
Winterizing Containers
If your Meyer lemon tree is planted in a pot or container, there are extra steps you need to take to protect the tree in the winter months. Cover the container with a blanket or insulating material such as burlap and keep it away from windows to provide extra insulation. You also need to elevate the container off the ground as cold air tends to pool near the ground. In addition, make sure the container has good drainage so that excess water is not retained.
Protecting Plants from Frost
In areas with low winter temperatures, a cloche tent or frost cloth can be used to protect the Meyer lemon tree from frost damage. Make sure to cover the tree when the temperature drops below freezing and take off the cover as soon as the temperatures rise above freezing. If the temperatures drop too low and you do not have a cover for your tree, you can also create a makeshift tent with a plastic sheet to provide a layer of insulation.
Providing Additional Sunlight
Meyer lemon trees require plenty of sunlight in order to thrive. In winter months, provide an additional source of sunlight by placing grow lights around the Meyer lemon tree. Using a light timer, you can also make sure the tree is getting the necessary amount of light each day without you having to manually turn the lights on and off.
Winter Watering
In the winter, the Meyer lemon tree needs less water than it does in the warmer months. Check the soil regularly, and if it feels damp, wait until it is almost dry before you water the tree. However, if the soil is particularly dry, you should provide the tree with some water to keep it from drying out. It is important to keep the tree from becoming water logged as this can cause the roots to rot in the cold temperatures.
Tips for Long-term Care
In order to ensure your Meyer lemon tree survives the cold winter months and thrives on, follow these tips: Avoid over-watering your tree, fertilize regularly in the spring, treat for pests as needed, prune away any dead or diseased branches, and mulch around the trunk to protect the soil. By taking proper steps to care for your Meyer lemon tree throughout the year, you can maintain a healthy and vibrant Meyer lemon tree all year round.
Disease Prevention
Meyer lemon trees are vulnerable to a range of common diseases and pests. The most important step you can take to prevent disease is to keep the tree free of debris and critters. Inspect the tree for aphids and mealybugs, and treat the tree with an insecticidal soap if needed. You should also keep an eye out for signs of disease such as yellowing or wilting leaves and treat the tree with a fungicide if needed.
Winter Pruning
Pruning is essential for keeping your Meyer lemon tree healthy and safe in the winter months. Prune away dead or dying branches to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. In addition, pruning will help reduce the amount of surface area exposed to the cold air and help protect the tree from the cold temperatures. Make sure to wear protective gloves while pruning and discard pruned branches away from the tree to avoid the spread of disease.
