There is typically a multitude of reasons why the lemons from a tree may be prematurely falling off. This issue can result from natural causes, such as too much rain or overly-lush foliage, or may stem from a cultivation mistake by the farming team. To better understand why the lemons had begun to fall off the tree, it’s necessary to examine each of these potential explanations in detail.
One of the primary explanations for why the lemons are prematurely falling off is because of their environment. Given that lemons need plenty of sunny, warm weather to survive and that excess rain can be detrimental, a tilt in the climate balance may trigger them to ripen too quickly or even be affected by disease. Subsequently, they may fall off the branches prematurely.
Alternatively, improper cultivation could also be the cause of the issue. Lemon trees are sensitive, and if the soil is too rich in nutrients, with an excessive amount of fertilizers or irrigation, it can lead to the leaves growing too lush. This will create even more rain which can overwhelm the young fruits, triggering them to prematurely fall off.
To avoid such issues, it is crucial that the climatic conditions are monitored closely. Optimal conditions will consist of 8+ hours of direct, warm sunlight and not too much humidity or rain. The farming team also need to be cautious to regulate their fertilizing and watering, adding only what is essential for the tree’s healthy growth.
The leaves of the tree should also be carefully examined for any disease. If any are found, the tree should be treated with a fungicidal spray immediately, so the issue does not spread. The farmer should also ensure that the harvesting procedure for the lemons is gentle and seamless, as any jarring or traumatizing of the ripening fruits should be avoided.
Finally, if the issue somehow persists, the farmer should investigate further and consider alternate solutions. For instance, raised beds with appropriate drainage or coverings can be used to protect or move the plants to a more suitable spot.
Exposure to Pests & Diseases
Apart from environmental issues, premature falling of the lemons on the tree may also be a result of pests and diseases. Pests such as nematodes, scale, mealybugs, aphids and whitefly can lead to the lemon tree's fruits falling off due to direct or indirect damage. Moreover, various fungal diseases, such as black spot and alternaria blight, can further weaken the tree's branches, leading the lemons to fall prematurely. Therefore, the tree needs to be monitored for any potential pests or diseases, and properly treated to arrest the issue.
Inappropriate Pruning Techniques
Poor pruning techniques could also be a reason why the lemons from the tree are falling off. Trees may be pruned incorrectly due to a lack of knowledge, which results in the cutting of only foliage, instead of the necessary stems to promote growth. Additionally, the pruning could be carried out at the wrong time of year, instead of waiting for the dormant season. If pruned in the wrong season, not only can the necessary stem regrowth be stunted, but the leaves can also become too dense and eventually overcrowd the lemon, leading them to prematurely fall off.
Inconsistent Watering Practices
Apart from improper pruning techniques, another explanation as to why the lemons are prematurely falling off the tree may be due to water issues. Either there is not enough or too much water. An insufficient water can lead to the citrus fruit not reaching its full size or getting dry and dropping prematurely. On the other hand, excessive water can create an overly-luxuriant foliage that stores too much water, impacting the lemon’s health and causing them to fall off early. Therefore, thorough irrigation management needs to be included in the lemon tree’s maintenance program to ensure a healthy, stress-free environment.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can also result in the premature falling of lemons from a tree. The main nutrients required for citrus fruits are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. If these essential minerals are not annotated in the soil, the tree may not be able to grow healthily, and thus the lemons will not be able to fully developed and eventually fall prematurely. Therefore, the soil should be tested regularly to determine the composition of it, and then fertilized if necessary.
Why Are My Little Lemons Falling Off The Tree
