:) You guys, you cut me to the quick! It's my Charlie Brown tree. It was wonky and absolutely pitiful when i brought it home last year. By October, it had developed these wierd, gangly lower branches that were as wide as the tree was tall. So late winter/early spring, i sort of chopped those lower ones off a bit, in the hopes that it would assume a more balanced shape. It just hasn't leafed out yet. It will look better soon ... Do you think it's doomed? I'm determined not to give up on this tree. It was the only Tomcot in the nursery, and i just had to have it. Now, i'm going to love it tall. I have so much to learn. But overall, i'm pleased with the way the fruit trees are coming along. Am i just being overly optimistic? Blind to obvious problems? Anyway, thanks for your feedback everyone. It looks like two slightly opposing opinions about the pruning cuts so far. I hope i can save this tree ... :)

Mike, thank you - i really liked your wording: "It may even lose most if not all the leaves if left to wilt just once,,,but it doesn't mean certain death..Just a slow recovery if properly cared for after that.. If it is left to dehydrate more than once to the point of wilt, then it will die." So as timing would have it, I just this morning visited a friends small orchard (that i helped plant this past spring) in Walnut Creek. Evidently he treated the new plantings like mature ones and now he has a mix of citrus looking from what you have Jen; to far far worse. They are all in the ground and in well drained clay. Absolutely parched. He is out there dribbling water now. He wants evidence that they are still alive through immediate / improved leaves..., but it just isn't so with citrus! I had to repeat over and over that this is now a long road back to health. Thankfully, my suggestion of the Meyer planting location has helped it as it is in the best looking condition of all... So his Meyer will rule the dozen! -George

Still in need of help: The tree/ leaves/ soil hasn't changed at all other than a few leaves have fallen off. The leaves are still brittle and some have yellowing/brown spots and the top of the soil is dry, but when I dig about 3 inches down it is damp. Again, I'm not sure if I should water it. Would miracle grow be a good idea at this point? About a week ago I watered it with 'Superthrive' (a vitamin additive)- other than that I have never provided nitrogen or any other 'supplements'. Any further suggestions?

Throw out that moisture meter because moisture meters can be very inaccurate. To see if it needs water, use your finger or, better yet, push a stick into the soil, pull it out and if soil sticks to it, hold off on watering. Browning on leaf tips is often due to salt build up because of not pouring enough water into the pot. Rinse out the salts by adding water until it drains out. Repeat at least twice. Hold off fertilizing until you see new growth and only use 1/4 the concentration you would normally use, assuming the tree is indoors for the winter.