Caring for a Meyer lemon tree can seem daunting at first, but with a few simple steps and regular maintenance, you can have an abundance of lemons from your very own citrus tree! Here’s how to take good care of your Meyer lemon tree:
1. Get to know your tree. When you bring your tree home, make sure to read up on its recommended care instructions. Learning about your specific tree’s needs will go a long way in helping keep your lemon tree healthy and thriving.
2. Choose a sunny location. Meyer lemon trees love lots of sunshine and can typically handle warm temperatures better than other citrus trees. Your tree should receive six to eight hours of sun per day, so try to find a spot that’s out of the shade and away from any windy spots.
3. Water your tree thoroughly. Make sure to water your tree at least once a week and more often during hot, dry spells. The soil should be consistently moist but never soggy. If your tree is in a container, you may need to water more often than once a week.
4. Monitor and adjust your tree’s nutrition. Lemon trees tend to be heavy feeders, so fertilize your tree every six weeks during its growing season. Follow the dosage instructions for your specific fertilizer for optimal results.
5. Prune and groom your tree regularly. Pruning your tree helps to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Trim away any dead or broken branches, and cut away any twigs or branches growing too close to the center. Keep the crown of your tree nice and open to allow light to reach its inner leaves.
6. Clean up after your tree. Be sure to regularly pick up and discard any fallen citrus fruit or leaves, as these can attract pests or diseases. Keep the surrounding area clean and free of any dead branches or leaves.
7. Watch for signs of disease or pests. If you notice any discolorations on your tree’s leaves, yellowing, wilting, or any signs of pests, address the issue right away. If the issue persists, consider consulting a professional.
Fertilize Regularly
To ensure your Meyer lemon tree is receiving the proper nutrition, fertilize it every six weeks. Organic fertilizers are ideal, as they provide a slow release of nutrients without any harsh chemicals, but whatever type of fertilizer you choose, make sure it’s specifically made for citrus trees. Follow the dosage instructions on your specific fertilizer for best results.
For an extra boost of nutrients during the growing season, try adding a handful of compost or manure to the soil around the base of the tree, or use a natural fertilizer such as fish emulsion. Be sure to water your tree after fertilizing to help activate the nutrients.
Check for Pests
The biggest threats to Meyer lemon trees are pests such as aphids, citricus mealybugs, scale, whiteflies, and spider mites. All these pests can leave your tree defenseless by sucking away at its sap and nutrients. To keep pests at bay, regularly examine your Meyer lemon tree for signs of pests or disease.
If you do find signs of pests, use natural methods to treat the problem. Neem oil, horticultural oil, or diatomaceous earth can be used to safely and effectively eliminate pest infestations. Also, make sure to pick up any fallen leaves or fruit, as these can attract pests.
Encourage Blooming
Meyer lemon trees typically have an abundant bloom, so encourage new blooms in the spring by pinching off any dead or damaged blooms. Pinching back the blooms will also help to shape the tree and create an open structure that will allow in more light. Trim away any twigs or branches that are growing too close to the center of the tree.
Also, be sure to give your Meyer lemon tree enough nitrogen to promote new blooming. Cut back on nitrogen if you’re not seeing enough blossoms, as too much nitrogen can inhibit blooming.
Treat for Diseases
Meyer lemon trees can be susceptible to a few diseases, including citrus canker, gummy exudates, bacterial blast, and citrus greening. Monitor your tree for discolorations, yellow spots, wilting, or any other signs of illness. If you notice any signs of disease, treat it immediately.
Treatments for citrus diseases vary depending on the severity of the illness, so it’s important to address the issue as quickly as possible. If the issue persists, it may be best to consult a professional.
Protect Your Tree During Winter
Meyer lemon trees are not frost tolerant, so it’s important to take measures to protect your tree during winter. Place a burlap cloth or frost blanket around the tree to insulate it from the cold. The cloth should reach to the ground and overlap at the it’s base. The important thing is to ensure any frost or cold air isn’t able to reach your tree.
At night, remove the blanket and store it in a safe place until the morning, or place a potted Meyer lemon tree in an unheated area like a garage or porch. Additionally, keep the soil around your tree dry during the winter, as wet soil can be very damaging when temperatures drop.
