When it comes to purchasing a lemon tree, timing is everything. Knowing when to buy a lemon tree will give you the highest quality and help insure you are making the best investment in your gardening project. Generally, the best time to purchase citrus trees is during the winter season. Winter, in the U.S., is typically around late November and runs through late March. In particular, the months of January, February and March give gardeners the greatest chance of receiving a citrus tree that will thrive in their climate.
Buying a lemon tree during the winter months allows gardeners to select a tree that has gone through the hardening process. During the fall and early winter, citrus trees are pruned and shaped to give them a more desirable shape for the typical garden. This process also removes damaged branches and optimizes the tree for a lifetime of fruitful growth. When fruit is still on the tree from the previous year, it should be thinned out to help it properly mature into healthy fruit. In addition, more buds are developed before and during the winter months to help increase yields later in the year.
Purchasing a lemon tree during the winter also gives gardeners access to superior stock with great root systems. When a tree is dormant in the winter, the root system is better able to take up the nutrients through their bark, rather than in the heat of the summer. This makes selecting a tree with a good, healthy root system much easier. A healthy root system is paramount to having a healthy fruit tree that produces abundant lemons. It is also important to note that during the winter months, most trees are sold in three to five gallon containers rather than in pots, which will help ensure that the tree receives the adequate amounts of water and nutrients necessary for growth.
When buying a lemon tree, be sure to check for insects and pests that can damage the tree and its fruit. A good healthy tree should have few, if any, insects or pests around it and should not have tree deformity or discoloration. It might be helpful to bring a magnifying glass along, so you can closely examine the tree and its branches. Additionally, when it comes to buying a citrus tree, it is important to look for ones that are mature and have a good structure.
Finally, budget should always be taken into consideration when buying a lemon tree. Prices can vary significantly based on the type of tree and size of the root system. It is easier to purchase trees in the winter when they are in their dormant state because they require less water and fertilizer, which helps to keep the cost down. Additionally, gardens should purchase organic trees when buying a lemon tree, as these trees have not been sprayed with potentially harmful pesticides or fungicides.
Location
When selecting a lemon tree for planting, a key factor to take into consideration is the climate in which the tree will be planted. Different cultivars of citrus trees have different requirements when it comes to microclimates and can do best in certain locations. For example, some lemons can thrive in tropical climates, while others require more temperate conditions. Ideally, the location will have full sun during the day and the tree should not be planted near places where cold temperatures can settle. When selecting a lemon tree for planting, make sure to take a soil sample to see if the soil is suited to the needs of the tree, as lemon trees require well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.
It is also important to consider the size of the tree when selecting a location. Depending on the cultivar, trees can range in height from 8 to 20 feet and can have a canopy spread of 10 to 20 feet. This can become problematic when burgeoning into overhead power lines or blocking pathways. For this reason, it is important to measure the space needed for the tree in advance and make sure there is enough room for the tree to grow.
Finally, lemon trees produce fruit that must be harvested and the location should be close enough to where the fruit can be accessed easily. Make sure to research the cultivar in advance and think carefully about where the fruiting trees will be planted. Keeping these factors in mind can help ensure you make an informed decision when selecting the best location for your lemon tree.
Planting
Once the right cultivar, soil, and location has been chosen, it is time to start planting the lemon tree. First, begin by digging a hole at least twice the size of the tree’s existing root ball. After the hole has been dug, gently remove the container off the tree, being careful not to disturb the root system. Gently tease the roots out and spread them in the hole. It is best to avoid planting too deep; the trunk of the tree should be implanted just above soil level so that any water sitting on the surface does not build up and rot the roots.
Once the tree is planted, be sure to water it deeply, as this will ensure the lemon tree is getting established in the soil. Watering should then be tapered off as the days get warmer and the tree establishes itself in its new home. Also, the tree should receive a layer of mulch around it, which will help to protect the root system, retain moisture, and limit weed competition. However, it is important not to mound the mulch up against the trunk and leave a bit of space between the trunk and the mulch.
In addition, feed the tree with citrus fertilizer in the spring and fall, following package instructions. On average, healthy citrus trees do well in sunny locations with six to eight hours of sun daily. To keep the tree growing healthy and strong, pruning dead or damaged branches should be done, as well as removing any suckers growing from the base of the tree. Additionally, during the peak growing seasons, it is important to water the tree on a regular basis.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing a lemon tree provides it with the necessary nutrients to maximize yield. Citrus trees should be fertilized twice a year, once in the spring and then again in the fall. To maximize growth, it is recommended to use a liquid fertilizer and apply it to the tree at the rate indicated on the package. Citrus fertilizer should include a higher amount of nitrogen, potassium and calcium, as well as trace elements such as manganese, zinc, boron, and iron. These nutrients help enhance the tree’s production and promote healthy fruit. Additionally, other organic amendments such as compost can be added to supplement the tree’s nutrient needs.
To ensure the tree gets the maximum benefit from fertilization, it is important to apply the fertilizer properly. First, begin by soaking the soil under the tree and around the drip line with a generous supply of water. This will help the fertilizer to be absorbed into the soil and will also raise the nutrient content of the soil. Once the water is applied, sprinkle the fertilizer around the tree in a circle and then water the fertilizer into the soil. It is important to follow the package instructions for how much fertilizer to use, as applying too much can burn the roots, while too little will not give the tree enough nutrients to thrive.
Fertilizer should be applied to a lemon tree on a schedule and not all at once. Usually fertilizer should be applied in two or three smaller applications over the course of several weeks. This will help make sure the fertilizer has time to be absorbed into the soil and avoid burning the roots due to overfeeding. It is also important to follow up fertilizer applications with a heavy watering to help ensure that the fertilizer is absorbed into the soil.
Maintaining
Lemon tree maintenance is essential to ensure the tree is properly tended to and that it produces abundant fruit. Water is one of the most important aspects of lemon tree maintenance. Lemon trees need a lot of water, especially during the hot, summer months and should receive a deep watering if there has not been rain for more than a week. Additionally, citrus trees benefit from irrigation and mulching. Irrigation can help to keep the soil around the tree evenly moist and mulching can help to insulate the tree’s roots and retain moisture. Applying a layer of organic mulch can also help to protect the tree from any cold temperatures that may come during the winter months.
It is also important to check for any damage to the trunk or limbs of the tree and prune any dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth. It is also important to keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that may affect the tree’s health. Insects such as aphids and mealybugs can suck the juice out of the tree’s leaves, while fungal diseases, such as citrus canker, can damage the fruit and leaves. If any of these issues are noticed, it is best to contact a local expert or an arborists association to assess and treat the tree.
Finally, it is important to make sure the lemon tree is getting adequate nutrition. To ensure the tree is receiving the right amount of nutrients, it can be helpful to feed it with a citrus-specific fertilizer twice a year in the spring and fall. Additionally, organic amendments such as compost or manure can also be added in small amounts to supplement the nutrients in the soil and help the tree to thrive. Keeping these factors in mind can help ensure that the lemon tree is well taken care of and produces abundant yields of healthy fruit.
