Question From:
Graham Spence in Queanbeyan, Queanbeyan NSW
Nature of problem:
We have moved here 12 months ago. There are 3 oranges, one lemon trees. We have not paid proper attention to them till recently, when I removed a plastic ground cover and left the mulch. I also gave them a dose of agricultural lime. The fruit on the trees is hard and not juicy.The question: the trees have lots of flowers; do we remove the existing fruit or do we leave it and expect it to get better? The lemon appears to have been frost bitten – dead leaves on the ends. Would this be the case?
Type of Plant (if known):
orange tree lemon tree
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
no illness
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
clay, but rocky and real rubbish, but it drains and the trees are growing well.
How often do you water the plant:
4 weeks
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
afternoon shade
What type of plant is it:
orange tree
How long since you planted it:
approx 20 years
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
complete citrus food, September
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:
light prune
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Answer: Hi Graham, Queanbeyan is very cold for citrus – way out of their tropical preferences. Thus the burn could be frost, but it could also be Stink Bugs. These orange to blackish-bronze insects are about 15mm long when mature. They squirt smelly acid at you when you disturb them. Check out Stink Bugs or Bronze Orange Bugs on our website. Don