Grapefruit tree leaves curling11/15/2023 ![]() Overwatering can also lead to other issues such as yellow leaves and dropping fruits. However, most commonly the leaves don’t curl, but instead-drop. On the other hand, overwatering can also cause issues with citrus tree leaves and fruit. That’s a lot of water saved (and much less strain on your water bill). With each 1% increase in the soil’s organic matter, the soil can help hold 20,000 gallons more water per acre. Some good mulches for citrus trees are leaves, bark, or pine needles.Ĭomposting is equally as important as mulching as it not only improves the nutrient profile of the soil (many times replacing chemical fertilizers), but it increases the richness of the soil. Naturally, this reduces how much and how often you’ll need to water your citrus trees. By mulching, you’re not only protecting the soil from the elements, but you’re reducing evaporation-locking in essential moisture in the soil. Soil isn’t meant to be bare, and when it is, it’s vulnerable to the sun, wind, and rain and can be easily eroded. Mulching is also a significant part of managing the water content in the soil. The goal for the soil should be the wetness of a wrung-out sponge. Bone dry definitely needs more water and sopping wet needs much less (or more drainage). Simply push a finger in the first 2-4 inches of soil to tell how dry or wet the soil is. Add compost every 1-2 months for extra nutrients and to improve the richness of the soilĪll of the above tips helped tremendously, and not just for my citrus trees, but also for my tomato, cucumber, and other plants in the garden.īy only watering when the first 2-4 inches of soil gets dry, not only are you checking that you’re not under-watering your citrus tree but not overwatering it as well (more on this below).Provide 1-2 inches of mulch to help the soil retain water.Only water when the first 2-4 inches of soil gets dry.While it can be tricky to know when and how much to water your citrus tree, these tips have helped me quite a bit: Once the tree is under-watered, if not watered soon, it will shed its curled leaves and conserve the little water it has left to ensure survival. It commonly occurs for most plants, especially other fruiting trees. Leaf curl isn’t only an issue for citrus trees. This is typically every 2 weeks, depending on the weather. The best way to make sure your citrus tree gets enough water is to only water when the first 2-4 inches of soil gets dry. When under-watered, the leaves dry out and begin to curl as a result. ![]() Under-watering is the most likely cause of citrus tree leaf curl. So, while under-watering is the most common reason why citrus leaves curl, how can we be sure what the exact issue is, and how can we fix it? Under-Watering ![]() However, under-watering is the most common cause, so water as needed and use mulch and compost. Leaf curl can also be caused by extreme weather and some pests and diseases. When this happens, the leaves curl to conserve moisture. ![]() Generally, citrus leaves curl when the tree doesn’t get enough water. So, I did some research and testing to find out more. While I had an idea of what could be causing it, I wanted to dive in deeper. I’ve had to troubleshoot several issues with my citrus trees (especially my Meyer lemon and Kaffir lime), but one of the most common issues that I’ve seen is when their leaves curl. ![]()
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