Brandon, thanks for the info on planting. This is new to me, and I just couldn't imagine anything young taking root in the dense soil I had to hack through to dig the hole so amending it seemed to make sense at the time. I can see how it would create an artificial tub now. I guess time will tell if the tree fully takes. I'll try to gauge the soil dampness better. With the sun around here, the surface dries out very quickly. It may well be that I'm not watering enough, though I'm not sure how to judge what's happening down at the bottom of the roots. jqpublic, I'm zone 9 by zip code but San Jose can be in the 8s too. In any case, the apple trees in the neighborhood seem to do very well. (and Ken - don't worry, I'm tickled pink that it set fruit so quickly. I just don't want to kill it!) Thanks for the help, everyone.

Heres some interesting info And here Here down in the chemical defense section "Cyanogenic glycosides are a particularly toxic class of nitrogenous compounds that break down to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a lethal chemical that halts cellular respiration in aerobic organisms. Plants that produce cyanogenic glycosides also produce enzymes that convert these compounds into hydrogen cyanide, including glycosidases and hydroxynitrile lyases, but they are stored in separate compartments or tissues within the plant; when herbivores feed on these tissues, the enzymes and substrates mix and produce lethal hydrogen cyanide. Glucosinolates, also known as mustard oil glycosides, are sulfur-containing compounds synthesized by members of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and produce cyanide gas when broken down by enzymes called thioglucosidases."-Freeman, B.C. and G.A. Beattie. 2008. An Overview of Plant Defenses against Pathogens and Herbivores. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2008-0226-01 but heres a breakdown some grass does produce cyanide GAS but not common species and it wouldnt be in significant quantities to alter human, animal, or plant function unless we are talking vulnerable states e.g. impaired immune function animals or like seedlings or weak species of plants. but i dont believe grass will kill a citrus it may help aid its death if there are other factors going on like nutrient defficiency pests lack of water, poor photosynthesis blah blah blah. The main reason we pull out the grass is because its a prolific feeder and outcompetes the citrus. but what some have stated is somewhat true grass does emit volatile compounds as defenses at times but not in significant quantities to kill a citrus. id be interested in starting seedlings from seeds among grass seeds and see if there is a difference to a control group of seedling citrus not among grass seeds. Now i can finally go to sleep ;)

Brewsters are notorious for the leaf tips browning. For me about 25% for the tip will brown. Brewsters are 'water lychees.' They love water and almost can not be overwatered. The light green color may be from nutritional deficiency (pics would help). But during winter, it helps lychee's bear heavier fruit by inducing stress to the tree. Here are my cultural tips: - Fertilize in spring after the first flush is 4-5", in case it is flowering this will be sufficient size for the flush not to be vegatative. Thereafter I fertilize an appropriate amount every other month with the last in August. (I use palm fertilizer, I like the minor elements to include iron). - Do not water, but under very high drought, from September 1 to the same 4-5" spring flush. Thereafter I water once a week. - On the months I do not fertilize I spray the foliage with a foliar spray. - If feasible apply a thick layer of mulch. I'm sure others can chime in with some more tips

There are many reasons that perpetuate alternate bearing: excessive crop load, and its associated tree stress, Competition between vegetative and fruit growth, depletion of carbohydrate and mineral reserves, and changes in hormones, also late harvest dates and the presence of fruit on the tree during flowering also contribute. A great deal of evidence points to severe depletion of carbohydrate reserves, particularly starch, during the on year (heavy load year). Starch levels in the leaves, stems, trunk, and roots are all depressed. Depletion of mineral elements also occurs during the on years. The large number of fruit from the on year competes for carbohydrates and reduces the amount of vegetative growth which will be the primary source of flowering the subsequent year. (T.A. Watson research)