Why did my lemon tree's leaves fall off?

5 years ago

My lemon tree survived winter(the winters here are mild).

The lemon tree also has fertilizer. And is completely healthy looking.

I've had no pest problems with the tree. Except some Long-tailed skipper caterpillars who ate some leaves. Those aren't a pest though. I want my lemon tree to be healthy for this years caterpillar/butterfly/moth season. The skippers got there because I planted some cow peas for nitrogen but the peas are dead. So shouldn't the peas roots decompose and give nitrogen and help the tree? The tree had no signs of infection. So is this normal?

It also is about three feet tall.

Featured Answer

Ken "Fruity Paws" (N-Va 7a)

5 years ago

What locality are you in? About a month ago, pretty much all of SC coastline where (the 8b/9a is) had frost. Unless you're lemon in in a microclimate (such as against your house on the south side), it likely your lemon took some frost damage and would shed leaves and perhaps have some dieback. The freeze wasnt long in duration, so as long as the tree was established, it should pop back when the spring warms up.

BTW - true lemons are less hardy than the common improved meyer. So more likely to have cold damage in the 30 degree temps that were present.

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Comments (6)

socalnolympia
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You say you live in zone 8b.

Regular lemon trees will not handle that type of cold well.

You will probably have better luck if you bring your lemon tree into the garage just during the coldest part of winter. Even if it only ends up being for a week (where you live).
Mars SC Zone 8b Mars thanked socalnolympia
evdesert 9B Indio, CA
5 years ago
If it’s in ground my guess is it’s getting ready to push the spring flush. My trees always shed some, not all leaves, in the latter part of winter in anticipation of growing leaves that will be better suited to handle the longer, warmer days ahead. Upload some photos so we can help you better. Also, stop planting cow peas near your trees, they will compete for nutrients before your citrus has a chance to absorb them. A better bet is mulch to help with water retention and cold/ warm weather for the roots.

Evan
Mars SC Zone 8b Mars thanked evdesert 9B Indio, CA
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Ike Stewart
5 years ago
What variety of Lemon tree is it?
Mars SC Zone 8b Mars thanked Ike Stewart
Mars SC Zone 8b Mars
Original Author
5 years ago
@Ike Stewart I think it was a true lemon. I don't remember the name to well.
Mars SC Zone 8b Mars
Original Author
5 years ago
Summerville, SC Zone 8B