Meyer Lemon
Goal: To improve the health and bring into production our many citrus trees which have been in the ground for 8 years without significant fruiting.
Care and Feeding of Your Tree
(per Texas Agrilife Agent, Robert Richter)
- Feeding: Fertilize ASAP with at least 10 pounds of Microlife (which WCG will supply) to anyone adopting a tree. Add horse manure. Water thoroughly. We have a nearby source for manure and can help get it.
- Mulching: The grass under the trees competes for the fertilizer the citrus needs. Citrus roots are shallow. Lay down cardboard under the tree and out to the tree drip line. Shape it with a knife or scissors. Wet the cardboard as much as you can. Mulch heavily to hold down the cardboard. This will cause the grass to die back. Monitor and add mulch as needed. WCG will supply mulch.
- Pruning: Trees have some frost damage. Use good sharp pruners. Trim off dead sprouts. Trim lower limbs if needed to work under the tree. Trim off any sprouts that are growing from the root stock. Your tree has been grafted onto a root stalk that is native to Texas. The fruit producing part is selected for its type of fruit.
- Watering: Water your tree as needed. If you mulch it well, it will need less water. AVOID OVER-WATERING. Citrus do not like to stand in water. Be aware of rain at the garden even if it doesn’t rain at your house.
- Keep a Log: Take a picture of your tree; give it a name like Oscar Orange if you want; research its type. We have a lot of different varieties which are labeled. You will need to research the citrus name on your tree. Put up a sign and keep a record of when you begin and what you do for your tree.
- Volunteer Hours: Earn 6 hours of volunteer time by adopting a tree. Recruiting a little help from friends/family is allowed.
- Timeline: Start on first weekend of May or ASAP after that. May is the last month to fertilize. Since not everyone can start at once, keep that log of when you do start.
Resource People
- Betsy Longoria – adoption papers and encouragement. 832-647-5364
- Wayne Slaikeu – pruning guidance. 832-452-9271
- Hazel Potvin – horse manure and encouragement. 713-715-9610
- Robert “Skip” Richter – Harris County Agrilife Extension Agent (rrichter@ag.tamu.edu)
Adopters will observe and log:
- For improved greening. (Leaves should be dark green and have a shine.)
- For growth, flowering, and fruit setting. (Research the life cycle of citrus trees.)
- For insect damage and for guidance for organic ways to control it. (Leaf miners are the most noticeable.)
- Log the dates of care.