[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick Gross]

Dianne, there could be several factors at play here. First, look at new growth. If it has good color your tree may be okay but remember that all plants shed leaves to some degree varying with the time of the year but only the oldest at any given time if the tree is healthy. The rate depends on the tree's overall health and the weather and soil type can be an influence. I never irrigate mature citrus oftener than six or more week intervals in cold weather and about two weeks in the summer but I usually let the trees tell me when they are thirsty. The latter may not be the best way but it has worked for me and after thirty years some instinct has stepped in. Deep irrigation at the drip line is vital. No water isneeded at the trunk where my trees never see a drop unless it rains.

If the foliage is all pale, it is possible that it needs nitrogen. In our desert soils, nitrogen is the only critical nutrient deficient in our soils. If you have not fed these trees, use 21-0-0, Ammonium Sulfate and follow the directions on the bag as follows; 

Apply 1/4th pound of 21-0-0 around the dripline for every year of growth up to five years.

For older trees and evergreens, apply 2 to 5 pounds in spring, early summer and fall. Cultivate in and water well after application. Note: One pound is approximately equal to 1 pint or two cups.

One pound equals one pint equals two cups. 



----- Original Message ----- 
From: <macmcquack at qwest.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2006 12:37 AM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> dianne heppler
> 85249
> macmcquack at qwest.net
> 
> some of my citrus trees are having leaves that turn yellow and are dropping rapidly.  We live in maricopa county and irrigate as often as roosevelt water wll let us which is ever 12 days.  I am not sure what is going on or if they need something else nutrition wise or more water.  Neighbors never irrigate or water theirs and they do not look any worse what can you suggest
> 
> 
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