Question From:
Cass in Yaven Creek, Adelong NSW
Nature of problem:
I have just moved into a new house and a tenant that lived here previously accidentally sprayed the lemon tree with roundup. About a third of the tree has died but the rest is still producing fruit although it could be healthier. I am wanting to know if the fruit would be safe to eat and also if I can do a drastic prune to remove all the dead wood or should I do it slowly or is the tree ruined and needing removal. It is a large old lemon tree but I would love to save it.
Type of Plant (if known):
Lemon tree
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Affected by round up
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Loam
How often do you water the plant:
Regularly
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
6-8 hours
What type of plant is it:
Lemon tree
How long since you planted it:
NA
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
No
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
Nil
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Answer: Hi Cass, Citrus trees are grafted and usually die from graft rejection at around the age of 12-20 years. This, combined with the systemic poisoning with Roundup means that this old tree is best replaced. Get a new one and plant it nearby. Then you can still enjoy the old tree as the new one grows. Personally, I would not eat the fruits though. Don
