Sounds like scale.

If it was my tree, it would be returned. And I'd inspect -- very carefully -- any tree they offered to substitute.

IMHO -- scale is challenging to get rid of.

Thanks for the feedback.
I alo noticed some sticky clear sap dripping on a bunch of the branches this morning... is that a tell tale sign of scale?

Another question that would help me to understand is... are scale just a nuisance, or are they life threatening for the plant or affect the vitality?

It's an outdoor plant... if that make any difference.

Thanks!

Scale insects, when allowed to build up a large population, are life threatening to the plant. And as you've observed, their numbers can grow pretty darned fast.

If you could get a picture of these things, we could identify them for you quickly. There are many different species of scale, but they are fairly easy to name.

Those nursery workers should be ashamed for selling something like that, as well as for suggesting that they aren't anything serious.

Hey Rhizo,
Unfortunately, the zoom on my camera isn't working and I can't get a good picture.

But I am pretty sure it's scale, after looking at other pictures online.

I guess I just ought to return it. But it's a beautiful tree... a standard that's been beautifully pruned into a ball and the main leader cut to about eye level. I was hoping to vary the shapes and sizes of my citrus in my pot landscape... so I hate to let it go without a fight.

And for clarification, he said that they're fairly easy to treat... I don't think he ever said they're not serious. But thanks for the appropriate level of indignation on my part. :-)

Kristi, I cannot believe the salesman/clerk, whatever he is, made up such a bald-face lie, probably with a straight fact, too!! To tell you the webby-looking things were nothing, he's full of ...........
Sounds like your citrus has mites AND scale. If you're sure it's not mealy, you can treat, but it's going to require work and time. For one, keep it away from other plants. Scale and mites are highly contageous. If you handle the tree, wash hands with soap before touching another plant.
I honestly don't think mites and scale are hard to rid, but why buy a new plant that's infested? Do you agree? If it was Mealy, forget it, it'd have gone back day 1.
What did you decide? Toni

Spoke again with the manager today and he has always said I could return it. When I told him I really liked the size and shape of the tree, he said that he would just order me another one direct from Four Winds. Should have it this week. Problem solved.

I may still buy a bottle of organocide, just to get familiar with this product JUST in case more critters show up.

This is an extremely reliable nursery and I don't think they did anything deliberately to mislead me. Probably just someone needs to learn more about citrus pests, is all.

But I'll be watching my plants closely. 3 of my 5 new citrus came from them, but only the one tree so far shows any sign of trouble.

I've isolated the bad tree from his friends... LOL... and in a few days it'll be gone and replaced with a hopefully pest free tree.

Thanks for all your advice, folks.

Kristi, was the manager the guy you dwelt with in the first place? the person who said you had nothing to worry about, regarding webbs? At least he's not trying to rip you off by offerning to replace the citrus. I wonder what they'll do with your tree.. At HD, they'd put back on the floor, and resell to some poor, unsuspecting customer..seen them do it when I worked there.
Good luck with your new tree, Toni

Toni,
Nope, the manager is the whole nursery manager. The guy I talked to when I first saw the cottony scale is one of the many sales people and stock people in the store. Most of them are seasoned gardeners or certified landscaper-types, but just as many of them are seasonal help. Truly, I think it was an honest mistake.

Anyway, it's an independently owned and extremely well regarded nursery in my area. My guess is it won't be resold... it'll be given away as a freebie to one of the employees to nurse back to health. (They have a section by the employee entrance for those.) Part of me is secretly wondering if he'll just offer to let me keep it... maybe I can isolate it from my other trees (I have a 1/3 of an acre) and see if I can clean it up.) Silly, huh? I'm SO addicted to these plants. LOL

By the way, totally off topic, but what genre are you hopeful about writing?