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Orange Tree Leaves Yellowing

11 years ago

Hey all, this is my first post here, though I've been a reader for awhile now. So thanks to everyone for making this a great resource!

Now the reason for this thread...I have two orange trees that I got about a year ago, a valencia and a navel. Since then they've just been miserable and haven't grown at all. I first put them into the ground and believe I was overwatering them as I didn't realize my drainage was as bad as it is(I know..). So I pulled them out of the ground, repotted into fresh high quality soil with plenty of aeration, and have since transplanted one back into the ground, properly drained this time so no wet feet. I use an all-purpose fertilizer, though I haven't really established a feeding schedule.

I cant figure out how to attach more than one photo, so this is just the potted tree.

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Comments (3)

L0stGardnr
Original Author
11 years ago
The tree in the ground
johnmerr
11 years ago
Without knowing where you live, I would guess Southern California or Arizona; combination of high soil pH and cold weather limits the uptake of minerals. Give your trees a shot of chelated mineral mix, a litte nitrogen (urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate) and you should see recovery.
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I'm guessing its just a response to the cold soil temperatures we had this winter. When soils are cool, plants (especially citrus) have a hard time pulling nutrients out of the soil. When the weather warms up the symptoms usually dissapear. This is one reason why it isn't beneficial to fertilize in the winter - plant roots are pretty inactive at this time of year and can't process the nutrients. As long as you followed the recommended amounts when applying your fertilizer your tree should be fine. In case you need more information on fertilizing, use the U of A publication located at the link below. A guide to common nutrient deficiencies and herbicide damage can be found at http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1007/contents.html Here is a link that might be useful: Fertilizing citrus
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The leaves on my navel orange look EXACTLY the same. The funny thing is I get alot of flowers and good fruit. I have my tree planted in my back yard in my lawn. I have a circle of just dirt around the base of the tree but I think the grass is stealing the nutrients from the tree. Im planning on cutting more grass away from the tree and feeding it with a 20-20-20 fertilizer I have with tons of micro nutrients. Plus I think I have been a little to liberal with the water. The grass dries out so quick and while Im water I water the orange tree as well. Im sure it is from lack of nutrients and possible over watering.
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I am not a fan of mulching under citrus except for brand-new trees under our current stressful conditions . Citrus do not like to have " wet feet " and prefer naked sand around them . This is a really contentious issue among home owners but the pros do not mulch at all . Infrequent deep watering is best for all trees rather than a light soaking . I have yet to water my established older citrus even though we are over 30 days without a drop of rain . I am about ready to break down and water the heck out of every one of them . Some orange trees just turn yellow for no rhyme or reason . Do the best you can and that's all you can do except , try a rain dance for us all !
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L0stGardnr
Original Author
11 years ago
I knew I was forgetting something! Yes, southern california. Temecula specifically. We get a very light frost every few days now, but they both showed these/similar symptoms throughout the summer heat as well. I also mounded up some mulch around the base of the in-ground tree to try and help retain more heat.

I'll add a higher N fert, that should help(temporarily at least) with any pH issue as well. I've mixed in plenty of compost and used a peat moss potting mix for the container. Thanks for the tips

This post was edited by L0stGardnr on Mon, Jan 7, 13 at 16:10

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