About Citrus Trees
Citrus trees are very common features in Desert Southwest gardens. Generally speaking, we have mild weather condicive to citrus growth. During the winter, temperatures may drop to freezing, but most trees can be protected by watering them well before a cold snap and covering them with frost cloth. Sheets or bedding can also be used but must be removed each day to allow sunlight to reach the tree. In addition to fruit production, they are heavenly to smell when in bloom!
Trees may range in height from dwarf (6 to 10 feet tall), semi-dwarf (10 to 13 feet tall), and up to 18' to 25' tall for standard trees, depending on the variety. This allows for flexibility in landscaping, and gives you options in you live in an association which has rules on height of trees. Dwarf trees can even spend their entire lives in a large pot if you so desire.
All trees need to be irrigated regularly. This is especially important for good quality fruit, high juice content and to prevent the fruit from splitting open. Citrus trees should also be fertilized at least three times a year and easy to remember: Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. On occasion, when we have severe weather and the trees suffer widespread damage, we may tell you to hold off on fertilizing until active growth begins to show. Fertilizing a tree that is dormant or struggling to come back can damage it.
If you prefer organic fertilizers over conventional, you should fertilize monthly from February through September. Remember to water thoroughly after fertilizing. It is also important to use a hose and water from above becayuse then the tertilizer dissolves and/or disperses bettern than if you were to use drip irrigation. This will also help to prevent fertilizer burn.