skip to main content

Grapefruit Tree lost leaves

Ashley Wohlford

8 years ago

My husband got me a great little grapefruit tree for my birthday (in May). It was bright green and leafy and already had fruit on it. We planted it in our back yard but since then it's lost all of it's leaves and the tips of the branches are dying.... I thought maybe we were overwatering so we've cut back... any advice?? We have an orange tree that's close by that we got at the same time and it's doing great!

Featured Answer

johnmerr

8 years ago

First and hardest is to remove all the fruit; the tree needs to put energy into leaves, not fruit. Second, remove all the grass under the tree to the dripline. Get rid of the stake; and prune the dead branches back to the first live green bud. Test the soil to see if it is wet/damp down to at least 18 inches; if not give it more water. Lastly, give it a shot of a good citrus fertilizer heavy on the Nitrogen which will encourage leaf growth.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

pip313
8 years ago
Like he's saying, you almost never want fruit on a new free. The first year should be an establishing year. And citrus doesn't compete with grass well.
Ashley Wohlford thanked pip313
Related Discussions
Grapefruit Tree Leaves dying
Q
Comments (6)
It could be leaf miner but it almost looks like what my apple tree gets when it is to humid . Kind of looks like some sort of fungus. Are you spraying water on your tree or has there been a lot of rain and lots of heavy dews in the morning. I am no expert but like I said it looks like the same thing my apple tree gets when there has been to much humidity and damp weather . Brian
...See More
grapefruit tree leaves curling/falling off
Q
Comments (2)
It needs to live outdoors, in South Florida. They want full sun, a soil that drains well, and fertilizer (once established). I don't know what you mean by "lining." Can you show a photo or describe what you are seeing? Overwatering, and the shock of being moved can cause Citrus to shed leaves. Where did you buy it? Will they help you? Is it small enough to take back so they can evaluate it? The loss of a few leaves is not serious, but when it sheds lots of them, that means something is wrong. Lisa
...See More
White stuff on dwarf grapefruit and lemon tree leaves, any ideas?
Q
Comments (6)
Some growers use a chalk-dust mix to spray on the leaves to act as a kind of sunscreen. This looks like that to me. Especially since you could easily wipe it off. It isn't anything to worry about, it will wear/wash off over time.
...See More
Help! Revived grapefruit but maybe trifoliate?
Q
Comments (7)
Thanks guys. It's a rio red. The leaves look so much different now, but maybe just because this is the first time it's had to regrow all new leaves! I did go ahead and trim everything below the graft, but didn't take a new pic.
...See More
Ashley Wohlford
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank ya'll both... I cut off all the fruit this morning :( and pruned it really well. This afternoon I am removing all the grass around it and I'll keep you posted!!
johnmerr
8 years ago
Thanks, Ashley, it is how we all learn here.
myermike_1micha
8 years ago
Ashley, I hope you get over the trauma by now..lol..It can be hard.
Andrew G
2 years ago
Hey Ashley, 6 years later how's the tree doing?

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

FEEL-GOOD HOME The (Lost) Art of Laziness

Do you go to bed with to-do lists flashing through your head? Try one of these ideas to give yourself a break

ARCHITECTURE States of Style: Alabama’s Icons Leave Their Mark

By Bryan Anthony

In the first of a new series, discover the natural beauty, the architectural icons and some of our favorite homes deep in the heart of Dixie

GARDENING GUIDES Tree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action

CHRISTMAS Real vs. Fake: How to Choose the Right Christmas Tree

Pitting flexibility and ease against cost and the environment can leave anyone flummoxed. This Christmas tree breakdown can help

FALL GARDENING 11 Trees for Brilliant Fall Color

By Marianne Lipanovich

Give your landscape the quintessential look of autumn with the red, orange and yellow leaves of these standouts

FARM YOUR YARD If You Have Room for Only One Fruit Tree ...

Juice up a small garden with one of these easier-care or worth-the-effort fruit trees for a mild climate

CRAFTS 7 Ways to Upcycle a Fallen Tree

When a tree falls, turn its branches into rustic toys, accessories and holiday décor

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Cabbage Tree

By Annie Thornton

Happiest in plentiful sun, this tropical-looking tree gives a pool area or backyard landscape an exotic view all summer long

Sponsored

Winks Remodeling & Handyman Services

1 Review

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

Flying dragon seedlings

6

Trying to choose greenhouse size for my citrus

14

New Zealand lemonade tree with flowers

0

Grafting Citrus and Rootstocks

2

Meyer´s problems

2