As citrus have a low tolerance to heat, the cooler months of autumn and winter are ideal for focusing on the care of these trees. Treatments performed now will help keep citrus trees healthy year-round.
Citrus should be inspected for insects and diseases – particularly mites, mealybugs, scale and aphids. Any root diseases should also be addressed, of which root rot is the most common. Monitoring irrigation quantity and location, and keeping the root collar clear of soil, mulch and water will go a long way toward preventing this fatal disease. To further help protect the tree structure, deadwood and weak branches should be removed by proper pruning.
For optimum growth and fruit development, citrus should be fertilized annually. Citrus is susceptible to deficiencies in the microelements, iron, manganese, zinc and copper, and these deficiencies can be treated with supplemental fertilization.
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