The reason for removing the stake is to allow the tree to bend with the wind. This allows it to develop a strong trunk. Otherwise the trunk would be weak and bend and flop around in the breeze, possibly breaking, especially if laden with fruit.

The roots are visible to to settling of the soil. You may leave it as it is or add soil to cover just cover them but not more.

It looks like some insect is eating your leaves but I cannot tell what it is.

Relocate the stake away from the trunk. Move the stake to the edge of the canopy and tie it loosely to one of the prominent branches.

I would simply add a light layer of bark mulch around the base to cover those roots, but not too deep and not piled up against the trunk itself.

The insect damage in minimal, and not something I'd worry about. That said, you should have on hand an insecticidal soap or Neem oil when growing citrus...eventually, you will need it, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say.

The only real concern I have is that ugly orange/brown spot on the trunk. You might want to get some advice on that.

Josh

Any ideas on what that spot could be? What's the best way to figure that out?

Bump. How do I figure out what that spot is???

Thanks for your help. I ended up taking out this lemon tree. I'll start over with a new one. The nursery has bigger ones now.

After I took it out I noticed on the bottom of several branches where it looks like it split. Still don't know from what but I figure it's a sign of needing a do over.