How to revive newly planted lemon tree curling and drooping?

lemontree1

Hi there

I planted a Eureka lemon tree in our front yard a few weeks ago, but since a week ago the leaves have curled and faded and feel dry/ papery. I have watered deeply every three days or so, and the soil is quite moist but it has also been very hot so I am not sure if its a case of over or underwatering? A couple of leaves have fallen off but not too many. There do not seem to be any other signs of disease. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

EricL

Hello @lemontree1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about reviving your lemon tree.

Thank you for sharing the image and describing the situation with your Eureka lemon tree. Based on what you've mentioned, the symptoms—curled, dry, and papery leaves—could be a sign of stress, potentially from overwatering. Citrus trees are prone to root stress if their roots sit in overly wet soil for extended periods, which can happen even if you water deeply but the soil doesn’t drain efficiently.

To address this, you might want to check the soil's drainage. If water pools or the soil feels soggy several days after watering, this could indicate poor drainage. Consider improving the soil condition around the tree with products like organic compost or soil improvers from the store, which can help balance moisture levels while allowing for better airflow to the roots.

If you suspect it might be overwatering, reduce the frequency of watering slightly, especially if the soil remains consistently moist between waterings. Lemon trees prefer to dry out a little between waterings, particularly during hot weather. To help gauge this, you could use a moisture meter available at the store, which will give you a clearer idea of when the soil is at an appropriate level of moisture.

Additionally, the hot weather could be contributing to leaf stress. Applying a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree, such as sugarcane mulch or pine bark, can help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture without overwatering. Just be sure to keep the mulch a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent fungal issues.

Lastly, if the tree continues to struggle, applying a seaweed solution, such as Seasol, can help reduce transplant shock and improve the tree's overall resilience. Follow the product's instructions for dilution and application and avoid applying during the hottest part of the day. With some adjustments, your lemon tree should start to recover and thrive.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric