For those in Houston looking to purchase a lemon tree, they should not have trouble finding one. The Houston area is home to several stores that specialize in the sale of various citrus trees. Garden stores, nurseries and even some home improvement stores are all reliable places to look for a healthy, vibrant and good quality lemon tree. In addition, there are a few online resources that can be used to find and purchase specific types of lemon trees to meet one’s needs.
Before going to purchase a lemon tree, it is important to consider the type of tree one wants and the environment the tree will be growing in. Additionally, it’s important to think about how much money and effort is available for maintaining the tree’s health. When making a decision about which tree to purchase, individuals should examine the branches for signs of disease or bug damage and look for leaves that are thick, green and glossy.
Some of the more popular stores in Houston offering lemon trees include Plant It Earth and Harris County Farms. Plant It Earth specializes in organic plants and trees, including citrus and lemon trees. Additionally, they offer a wide variety of trees to choose from, including the Meyer Lemon tree, which is an ideal selection to plant in the Houston area. Harris County Farms have a great selection of fruit trees plus other ornamental trees, bushes and shrubs, and they also provide services that help with the planting of the trees. Finally, some home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, carry Meyer Lemon trees, which are also suitable for grow in the Houston area.
Besides the local stores, individuals should also consider some of the online retailers offering lemon trees in Houston. Some of the more popular ones include Secret Garden Trees and Robin Hill Tree Farm. Secret Garden Trees is an online plant nursery that ships throughout the US and specializes in trees, including various lemon tree varieties. A plus side to purchasing online is that when an individual can’t find a lemon tree in the local area, they can still locate what they are looking for by searching the internet. Robin Hill Tree Farm is another reliable online source for citrus trees, and their trees are sent directly from their nursery.
Benefits of Planting a Lemon Tree
Planting a lemon tree can provide numerous benefits. First, lemon trees can bring a lot of beauty to one’s outdoor home space. The vibrant green and yellow of the leaves and fruits paired with the sweet citrusy smell of the tree can give a backyard a wonderful scent and appearance. Additionally, a lemon tree can provide a great source of healthy lemons for cooking or juicing. These lemons can have a variety of uses and provide the opportunity to take advantage of natural resources.
Cost of Purchasing a Lemon Tree in Houston
Depending on the type of tree purchased, the prices can vary. Prices often range from around $40 to $100, and there are some trees that cost up to $200. Prices may also vary depending on the time of the year and where it is purchased; specialty stores and online businesses typically sell at a higher price. Buying a lemon tree in the heat of the summer or at a home improvement store may result in a better price.
Maintenance of a Lemon Tree
Lemon trees require a good amount of care to maintain healthiness and produce fruit. Regular watering, pruning and fertilization are some basics the tree needs to grow and stay healthy year-round. Depending on the local climate, the tree may also require seasonal protection against cold winter temperatures, pests or diseases. It is important to research which steps are necessary for keeping the tree in the best condition and following through with them.
Considerations when Planting a Lemon Tree
When planting a lemon tree, it is important to ensure there is adequate sun exposure and soil drainage, as the trees require full sun and need the soil to be able to drain well in order to stay healthy. The container should also have adequate space for the roots to grow and be spacious enough to accommodate the root ball. Generally, it is best to buy a tree in an approximate size that is suitable for the planting location, since lemon trees must be planted in a location and depth within their capacity.
Comparing Different Types of Lemon Trees
When selecting a lemon tree, there are a few varieties from which to choose. The most common is the Meyer lemon tree, which usually reaches about 6-10 feet tall and bears fruits that are sweeter and more fragrant than the typical store-bought variety. Inside sweeter oranges, the Lisbon lemon tree is popular in the Houston area, as it takes less time for the tree to produce lemons and provides larger sized fruits than the Meyer lemon tree, whereas the Eureka lemon tree has more typical lemons and is deemed as one of the hardier varieties. Finally, there is the Tahiti lemon tree, which is a great option for growers on a budget as they cost less than other varieties and feature a milder flavor than the typical store-bought lemons.
Harvesting a Lemon Tree
After the lemon tree has been planted and maintained, it is time to harvest. To ensure the best quality product, one should monitor the tree carefully as the optimal time to pick the lemons can vary based on the variety of lemon tree. In most cases, lemons should be harvested when they have achieved their desired ripeness, usually when their color is turning from green to yellow. Additionally, it is best to harvest the lemons in the morning before the fierce summer heat kicks in.
Tips for Maximizing Productivity of a Lemon Tree
The productivity of a lemon tree can be increased by following a few simple tips. To start, make sure the tree is properly pruned and trimmed throughout the year in order to create an open canopy of leaves and lots of space for light and air to reach all of the fruits. Additionally, it is important to water the tree regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer 2-3 times during the growing season in the spring, summer and winter. Finally, when the tree is flowering, apply a spike of balanced fertilizer around the base of the tree.
