Q: I have two Meyer Lemon trees, bought and planted at the same time. One is in the back yard where it gets lots of sun. The other, in the side yard, only gets partial midday sun. The leaves on the side-yard tree are yellow and the tree bears little fruit while the other, although shaded by a large evergreen tree, has flourished and looks healthy except for a back branch which is turning yellow. Can you offer any suggestions as to the cause of this situation?
A: I think you may have answered your own question, assuming your trees are otherwise healthy and receiving proper water and nutrients. Citrus trees need full sun to be at their best. From your description, the healthier tree is getting “lots” and the side yard only gets partial sun. The ideal would be eight hours of sun and that is not possible with only midday sun. Since “lots” is not a number, I will guess that even the tree in the backyard could do better if your large evergreen tree didn’t shade it. If it’s not possible to change the surroundings to allow more sun on the trees, you might consider moving them to a sunnier spot.
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Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Email questions and photos to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
