Meyer Lemon Trees are the perfect plants for avid gardeners, landscapers, and outdoor enthusiasts. While it produces some of the most delicious lemons in the world, it is frequently plagued with yellow leaves. So, why does my Meyer Lemon Tree have yellow leaves? It can be caused by a number of factors, including overwatering, improper pruning, lack of fertilizer, or pest infestation. Let’s take a closer look at each cause.
1. Overwatering
When it comes to watering a Meyer Lemon Tree, moderation is key. Too much water can lead to yellow leaves, as the plant cannot take in the water quickly enough and root rot occurs, resulting in yellow leaves. Unfortunately, the only way to fix the problem is to stop watering it and let the tree recover. A telltale sign of overwatering is leaves that curl, bend, and become yellow.
2. Improper Pruning
Pruning your lemon tree is essential for maintaining a healthy tree, however, it’s important to do it properly. If a branch is pruned too low, it can be difficult for the lemon tree to recover and will result in yellow leaves. Additionally, pruning at the wrong time of year can cause the lemon tree to become stressed, resulting in yellow leaves. To avoid this, prune your lemon tree in the late winter when the tree is dormant.
3. Lack of Fertilizer
The Meyer Lemon Tree is a very sensitive plant, and it will not thrive if given the wrong fertilizers. Fertilizers should be balanced between nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, with a ratio of 30-10-10 being ideal. If the tree is not getting the right nutrition, it can start to display yellow leaves. It’s best to fertilize your tree every six to eight weeks to ensure it is receiving the right amount of nutrients.
4. Pest Infestation
Pest infestations can be difficult to detect, and by the time yellow leaves appear, the infestation is likely to be quite bad. Common pest infestations that can cause yellow leaves include aphids, scale, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you suspect your Meyer Lemon Tree has a pest infestation, a professional might be the best option for getting rid of the pests. If not taken care of properly, the pests can damage the tree further.
5. Too Much Sun
Meyer Lemon Trees like a lot of sun, but too much sun can make the leaves turn yellow. If you’re suspecting too much sun might be the cause of yellow leaves on your tree, try moving it into a shadier spot in your garden or on your patio. Make sure the spot isn’t too shady, as the tree still needs a good amount of sun to thrive. If the tree doesn’t recover, the cause of the yellow leaves is likely something else.
6. Incorrect Soil Conditions
Incorrect soil conditions can lead to a number of issues with Meyer Lemon Trees, including yellow leaves. The soil needs to be well-draining and should never be allowed to become soggy. A soil pH of between 6 and 7.5 is ideal for Meyer Lemon Trees, so be sure to check your soil’s pH level before planting. Additionally, make sure your tree is planted in soil that is rich in organic matter.
7. Disease
Lastly, disease can also cause yellow leaves on Meyer Lemon Trees. The most common diseases seen on Meyer Lemon Trees are powdery mildew and citrus canker. If you are experiencing yellow leaves, inspect the tree’s leaves and branches for signs of disease. The best way to treat a diseased tree is with a fungicide or insecticide, and it is important to follow the instructions carefully when using these products.
