Re your question: just how much twig dieback and leaf loss can happen and the tree still be ok? Although twig dieback is a concern, I have had trees lose all branches and then come back alive. Although this is not common, I would not give up hope on your tree. Be patient.

THANK YOU!!!! I will be patient!!!!!

Hi. Should I cut off the twig dieback or just leave it be? It's been through a lot but I'm not sure the best course of actions during its recovery. Thanks again!!!!!

Cut it off.

Hi Vladimir. It's been a few weeks since I repotted my tree and it is hanging in. It has lost a lot of leaves and some small branches on top, but the leaves look pretty good, considering. It is in the gritty mix and the temps are getting hot. I keep it well watered. I'm not sure how much direct sunlight I should be exposing it to, in its condition. What do you suggest? I'm trying to be patient but I'm wondering. Do you think it may not be until next spring that I see what it will do? Is there anything I should be doing to care for it or help its recovery? Thanks so much!!!!

Hope your tree pulls through. I suspect it will. Vlad gave you good advice!

Thank you, Laura!! I am so hopeful that it does pull through, it has been through a lot. I know this is the recovery period and hopefully the roots are healing and growing, but it's hard being patient. But it appears as if little bumps are appearing on the branches. Looks like leaves are starting to form. I just hope it has enough energy to make it happen.

Hi Vlad and Laura!! It's been awhile and I wanted to let you know that my little tree is doing great!!! It has about 6 or 7 new branches coming off of the trunk and new leaves are popping out everywhere!! They are growing so fast and growing big. I even noticed today it has one blossom. I never thought I would see that this year!! Once it hit the two month mark of the root pruning and transplant, it just took off!! And what is even more amazing, the temperature today was 112. I wanted you to know and I wanted to thank you again for all of your help!!! Happy Growing!!!!!

Congrats Newtster on your revived tree! I know I have a couple that were like that and one did resprout this winter and is gradually filling out and another is being nursed with 1 sprout (so far) from above the graft.

Good luck with your "baby". :-D

Oh, that is great news! I am happy for you and your tree.

Thanks Vlad, I am so happy. It amazes me how that one little tree can make me so happy!!!. Thanks Jenny!!! Good luck with your babies!!! It is so fun to nurse them back to health. And another great thing is we learn so much when we go through the process!!! Enjoy your day everyone!!!!

Hi Newtster, I am interested in knowing more about how you identified your root issue. My lime tree is losing a lot of leaves and a few branches and I am afraid it’s roots may be the issue. Any advice is appreciated!

a pic would be nice

Hi Laura, well, I sent a picture of the root flare to my sister and she noticed the girdled root on the root flare. At that point I did not know much about root girdling, but she told me it can be very bad for trees. This usually happens with trees in pots if roots are not monitored. So, we decided to take it out of the pot and what I found was the root ball was totally compacted, so badly that it took us 30 to 45 minutes to free the roots from the compaction. Then we addressed the girdled roots. We pruned the roots that were girdled and spread them all out very nicely. We did this in April, so not the best time of year to do it, but it was either that or take the chance of the tree dying. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. The tree was doing well up until the spring but I was seeing a lot of yellowing of leaves and the new leaves were incredibly small. It did have some girdling but the soil compaction was a huge source of the problem. I learned that even though they look healthy, roots might be in trouble. So now every year (fall) I will take them out of the pot and examine the root ball. It took the tree two months to recover but it is exploding with new growth and the leaves are growing fast. They are wonderfully green and big. It did lose a few branches at the top, so it's going to be a bit smaller for awhile, but at least it is alive and doing well. I'll post a pic when I can. Hope this helps!!!

Laura