My lime tree is dying is there a way to revive it?

Question

it has many dry spots but also has new green sprouts so i know it has not dried out completely but i don't know if i should prune the dead off or what to do to revive it

I LIVE IN ARIZONA AND THE TREE HAS BEEN PLANTEDIN OUR BACK YARD FOR A COUPLE YEARS

I LIVE IN ZONE 9-10

Answer 1

Not knowing your soil conditions and your past watering program, it's difficult to know why your tree has suffered.

Here are a couple of things I'd recommend doing to help revive your lime tree;

1) Since citrus trees prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, you can find out the pH of your soil by investing in a simple pH meter that can be purchased at most major hardware stores for around $10. If the pH of your soil is above 7.0 or below 6.0, I'd advise you to contact your local Farm Advisor to help you adjust it accordingly.

2) Purchase a couple of bags of compost and a bag of composted steer manure and spread them evenly around the dripline of the tree. You should then rake it in slightly and sprinkler irrigate to allow the beneficial microbes (bacteria & fungi) to penetrate and become established in and around the roots of your tree.

These microbes help retain the nutrients added to the soil and make them more available to the plant. They also help allow oxygen and water to penetrate the soil by opening up pore spaces and creating aggregates (binding soil particles together).

3) There is a very beneficial fungi that is called "Mycorrhizae" that citrus love! It attaches itself to the roots of the plant and becomes an extension by helping absorb more nutrients and water. Once applied, it establishes itself and will help the plant forever. I strongly recommend the use of this product-- especially on citrus! You can purchase it online almost anywhere but here's a couple of places I found that carry it and will send it directly to you;
http://www.fungi.com/mycogrow/index.html
http://www.planthealthcare.com/fungi.html

4) Make sure your tree doesn't sit in standing water for extended periods of time. Citrus trees don't like extremely wet conditions. At the same time, be sure you water your tree regularly...making sure you keep the soil moist and not saturated.

5) Once you begin to see re-growth, you can begin pruning out the dead branches. You'll know better what is still supporting growth or what is dead.

6) AND lastly, use a fertilizer (preferably high in nitrogen) that is intended for citrus and begin applying every 4 to 6 weeks beginning in February until August. Make sure you irrigate the fertilizer in after each application.

I hope you found this information helpful and you're able to revive your lime tree. GOOD LUCK!

-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science

Answer 2

Pruning doesn't help revive a plant.

Try giving it a little more water, like letting water soak in around it for an hour a twice a week, to see what that does. I hesitate to say that because of the lovely people of arizona waste too much water as it is. I grew up there, so... i can say that :D but that might help.

Also, check the soil Ph and perhaps go get some fertilizer, there's not much to feed it in the desert.

Answer 3

Citrus Tree Branches Dying