[Arid_gardener] Pink Grapefruit Tree

[Dick Gross]

Chuck, you ask questions whose answers would require considerable guesswork. 

I assume this tree is being installed by the nursery from whom you purchased it. If that is the case - - -

I recommend that you follow their irrigation instructions to the letter for at least the first year. They have a vested interest in that tree's success.

Personally, I don't like automatic irrigation on fruit trees that should be watered when they are thirsty, not by a clock that has no concept of soil structure and climate.

I planted a 10 gallon pink grapefruit in 1970. Today, still in perfect health, the tree, showing no sign of decline, ripens over a thousand sweet fruit every year. The interior is completely shaded to the ground by its own foliage. Since 1973, I have not applied a drop of water in the basin except by divine intervention when it rained two or three times. Irrigation has been only in a shallow trench three feet wide splitting the drip line where feeder roots are concentrated. I fertilize in the same trench in March, June and September when I remember but I am sure some feeders reach into surrounding beds that are frequently watered. I water at least 3 feet deep confirmed with a soil probe. Rember to extend that trench to keep up with outward growth.

Drive by any commercial grove and note that foliage grows all the way to the ground. Foliage must have it but citrus bark will burn readily with extended exposure to direct sun. That sensitivity accounts for most citrus suffering an early demise. If a tree is weakened by sunburn, it is an easy target for pathogens and insects. Keep those loppers away from the tree. If a branch slaps your wife along side the head every time she walks by the tree, train her to a different route or, guided by her temperament and behavior, let things stand. 

Or, you can paint the trunk and all exposed branches with a white latex paint available at any mursery or hardware.

Supporting or controversial opinions are invited for clarification so that we may all learn; broadening the MG intellect the objective.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Maricopa County Cooperative Extension

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Chuck Sarra 
  To: arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 3:52 PM
  Subject: [Arid_gardener] Pink Grapefruit Tree


  In the next few days I will be having a pink grapefruit tree (24 inch box) installed in my back yard.  The tree will have a southern exposure and pretty much full sun all year long.  I am planning on using a drip irrigation system to provide water after the first several weeks of hand watering.  This is the full size variety and not the dwarf type tree. 

  I have been told this tree will likely have a large water requirement during the summer time.  I want to install the drip irrigation for now and the future at the same time.  I plan to block off the unneeded drip ports until the tree gets larger and the water requirements increase.

  My question is how many  drip ports will the tree initially require assuming I install 2 gal. per drippers and how often and how long should I run the irrigation.  

  Additionally how many drip ports will the tree require say 5 or 8 years down the road as it develops?   I want to dig in this cement like Az. soil as few time as possible.

  Thanks,  Chuck Sarra   7T2Z at comcast.net


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