Citrus is deeply embedded in the identity of Arizona, and comes under the state’s famous “5 Cs” (Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, Climate). If you want to truly bring vibrant color and fresh, juicy fruit to your backyard, growing citrus is one of the best ways to do it. But keeping these citrus trees healthy all year round and productive as well, you can’t just depend on watering them. Proper citrus tree care Arizona means you need to work with seasons and understand the climatic conditions of Arizona, and then know when and how to fertilize them properly.
Citrus Tree Care in Arizona: Seasonal Tips
Spring: Prime Time to Feed and Prune
Citrus trees start to come out of dormancy when the temperatures in March and April edge above the 60’s. This kind of moment is honestly a good opportunity for citrus tree fertilization. As soon as the new growth shows up, go ahead and fertilize using a balanced fertilizer, with a good amount of nitrogen, made specifically for citrus. Nitrogen helps drive vigorous, leafy development, which turns into fruit production later on in the year.
You can utilize this season for light pruning, along with the removal of dead wood, crossing branches, and also those suckers (the ones that end up below the graft line). Just keep going in a conservative way, since citrus trees do not need much of that heavy shaping, and too much pruning might cause sunscald on the exposed bark because of the intense Arizona sun.
Summer: Water Deeply, Watch for Stress
Summers are actually brutal in Arizona, and citrus trees are constantly subjected to the harsh sun. Deep infrequent watering is the most important thing to follow from June through August. Water should be able to reach 18-24 inches below the soil, to the full root zone. Allowing shallow watering will lead to surface rooting and make trees susceptible to drying out.
Don’t fertilize during the hottest part of summer, like when the air feels thick. Fertilizing a tree while it’s already under stress can lead to fertilizer burn and also push fresh growth, which may end up scorching before it even matures properly. When you see yellowing leaves or leaf drop in summer, that is often less about nutrients and more about the watering situation. So, check the moisture level first, before you go grab a fertilizer bag.
Fall: Second Fertilization window.
September and October bring relief from higher temperatures and you get cooler nights. This is the second fertilization opportunity that you can give to your citrus tree. The citrus specific fertilizer that you will give your tree in the fall will encourage fruit development during winter. Search for a formula that contains micronutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc as these nutrients tend to be bound up by the alkaline soil conditions in Arizona and cause chlorosis between the leaf veins.
A chelated iron drench applied to the soil can resolve the deficit rapidly if your tree is exhibiting symptoms of chlorosis, even with regular fertilization.
Winter: Protect and Monitor
Arizona winters are relatively mild, although there have been frost events, particularly in higher elevations (East Valley communities). If the temperature drops below 28°F for extended periods, citrus trees are often subjected to damage to fruits, leaves, and even young wood. To protect from such harsh winter weather, cover your citrus trees with frost cloth (not plastic) overnight and remove those covering during the daytime. It is advisable not to do tree fertilization during the winter months since new growth will be produced, which is very susceptible to frost damage.
Take advantage of the winter season to check for pests such as the citrus leafminer, scale insects and Asian citrus psyllid. Management is much easier if the cause of the problem is identified in the early stages.
Partner with an Expert for Best Results
Consistency is the key to citrus tree care in the desert state of Arizona. Following a seasonal fertilization program, deep watering and pest and disease monitoring will assure trees continue to bear crops every year. Arizona Urban Arborist has the ISA-Certified Arborists to assist you with personalized recommendations, such as soil testing and professional fertilization services. Request a free consultation today!
