Meyer lemon trees are beautiful, fragrant plants that often produce bumper crops of lemons. Though they can be a bit finicky to care for, feeding them regularly is an important part of keeping them healthy. Knowing what to feed them, when, and in what quantity will help ensure the health and productivity of your Meyer lemon tree.
The most important thing to remember when feeding a Meyer lemon tree is that it needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. The right type of fertilizer should be applied at least four times a year. A fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, as opposed to a high-nitrogen fertilizer, is recommended. A fertilizer with a blend such as 8-8-8 or 6-6-6 would be ideal, as it will contain the proper ratios of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium that the tree needs to stay healthy.
When applying the fertilizer, make sure to use an amount that does not exceed 2 pounds per 100 square feet of land. If the soil is overly rich in nitrogen, lemons will likely fall off the tree too soon or not develop as juicy as they should. Using too much fertilizer may also burn the roots of the tree and harm the health of your lemon tree.
In addition to fertilizer, it is also important to mulch the area around the tree. Use a mulch made of decomposed leaves, bark, or wood chips. This helps keep the soil moist and the area around the tree free of weeds. However, take care not to let the mulch come in contact with the tree’s trunk, as this can cause it to rot.
Watering is also essential for keeping your lemon tree healthy. Water it regularly, as Meyer lemons require more water than other citrus in hot weather. Water deeply whenever the soil feels dry to the touch and water more frequently during hot summers. Newer lemon trees need more water, especially in the first few months, so don’t forget to water them diligently.
Finally, pruning is important for keeping your Meyer lemon tree healthy. Prune it to remove any dead or diseased branches and any overcrowded branches. Pruning will also help the tree put more energy into producing fruit and will also shape the tree for aesthetic purposes. It is best to prune your Meyer lemon tree at the beginning of the dormant season, which is usually late fall or early winter.
Fertilizing a Meyer Lemon Tree
Fertilizing is essential for keeping your Meyer lemon tree healthy and productive. There are several types of fertilizers that can be used, but the most important feature to look for is the nitrogen content. Since Meyer lemon trees need slightly more nitrogen than other citrus trees, a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content is recommended. In general, a blend such as 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 is ideal, as it contains the right proportions of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
When applying the fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions and use an amount that does not exceed 2 pounds per 100 square feet of land. Too much fertilizer can cause the fruit to ripen prematurely or leave it lacking in flavor, so make sure not to use too much. If your Meyer lemon tree is small and newly planted, use a lower nitrogen fertilizer or adjust the dosage accordingly.
Mulching a Meyer Lemon Tree
Mulching is an important part of feeding a Meyer lemon tree and keeping it healthy. Use a mulch made of decomposed leaves, bark, or wood chips. This helps the soil maintain its moisture, the temperature more consistent, and weeds out. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the tree’s trunk, though, as this can cause the trunk to rot.
In addition, it can also be beneficial to add a layer of compost to the soil around the tree. Compost is rich in nutrients and helps to reduce the amount of water the tree needs and helps to keep the pH balance of the soil in check. It also serves as a natural soil conditioner and helps to keep the tree healthy.
Watering a Meyer Lemon Tree
Watering is another essential part of feeding a Meyer lemon tree. Newer lemon trees need more water, especially in the first few months, so be diligent when watering. The amount of water they need depends on the climate, but generally, Meyer lemon trees need more water than other citrus trees in hot weather. Watering deeply and more often during hot summers is recommended.
It is also important to avoid letting the soil become too dry in between waterings. Soil that dries out too much can damage the tree’s root system, leaving it vulnerable to pests and diseases. To check if the soil needs watering, simply stick your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your tree.
Pruning a Meyer Lemon Tree
Pruning is an important part of caring for a Meyer lemon tree. It helps the tree to stay healthy and productive and can also be done for aesthetic purposes. If a tree is overly crowded, this can lead to a lack of air circulation and a decrease in quality of fruit production. To avoid this, it is best to prune your Meyer lemon tree at the beginning of the dormant season, which is often late fall or early winter.
When pruning, carefully remove any branches that are dead, diseased, or overcrowded. It is also important to prune any branches that are reaching towards the inside of the tree, as this can reduce the amount of air circulation and cause the leaves to become damp from overcrowding. Also, take care to prune off any branches that are reaching towards the ground, as these can become a haven for pests and diseases.
