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How to treat burnt leaves on lemon tree?

My dwarf lemon Eureka tree was planted in the garden bed a few months ago. It's growing well but the new top branches have some of their leaves either burnt, covered with a bit of web or have holes in them. Is this normal? Should it be left alone or do I need to do something about it?

Some photos for the reference.

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @AJ-DIYer,

It looks like your lemon tree may have citrus leaf miner, which is a common issue that affects new growth. The telltale signs are twisted or distorted leaves with silvery trails caused by larvae feeding inside the leaf tissue. The webbing you’re seeing could also indicate the presence of other pests, such as spider mites or caterpillars, which may be responsible for the holes in the leaves.

To manage citrus leaf miner, you can spray your tree with Yates Success Ultra Insect Control, which targets these pests effectively. Apply it in the evening when beneficial insects like bees are less active, and make sure to follow the product instructions for the best results. Pruning off the worst-affected leaves can also help, but since the damage is mostly cosmetic, it won’t harm the tree’s overall health.

For ongoing protection, consider using Pest Oil as a preventative spray, as this deters leaf miners from laying eggs on new growth. Keeping your lemon tree healthy with regular watering, feeding, and mulch will also help it bounce back quickly.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48096#Comment_48096

Thanks @MitchellMc

I have purchased the pest oil and now I got rid of the affected leaves. I have a few more questions :

- is it correct to cut the leaves or the entire stem?

- when cutting the leaves, I cut them just above the nodes, is it how it's supposed to be done? Please see the photos after the cut as there are 2-3 healthy leaves I have left

- will leaves come out of the same nodes replacing the older damaged leaves that I have cut?

- is it safe if I spray with the other mature green leaves with the pest oil or this can cause issues with fruits?

- is it best to water first and then spray with pest oil or water after?

- I am due for applying fertiliser soon. What sort of fertiliser do you recommend for garden bed containing both lemon and lime trees? A liquid one or those tiny little beads?

- I can see 3-4 fruits at the tip of the plants, is there anything I can do to support growth for more fruits or the plant isn't mature enough to bear more fruits?

- how do I get rid of the ants? Maybe I should use pest control around garden bed but not sure how effective that is.

Thank you.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86160#Comment_86160

Hi @AJ-DIYer, it’s great to hear that you’ve started using the pest oil and have removed the affected leaves.

It’s generally best to cut back the affected leaves rather than removing the entire stem, unless the stem itself is damaged. Trimming the leaves just above the nodes, as you’ve done, is the correct approach as it allows the tree to focus on healthy new growth. By cutting the damaged leaves, new ones should sprout from the remaining nodes, replacing the older, affected leaves.

Spraying the mature leaves is fine as long as you follow the instructions on the product. Just make sure to avoid spraying fruit directly, as this could damage the fruit or affect its quality.

As for watering, it’s generally best to water the tree first and then apply the pest oil, as this helps ensure the oil adheres properly to the foliage without being diluted.

Regarding fertilising, liquid fertiliser is usually a good choice for lemon and lime trees as it provides quick absorption, but granules or slow-release fertilizers can also work well if you prefer less frequent applications. A balanced, citrus-specific fertiliser can also support the trees as they produce fruit and encourage healthy growth.

As for your fruit, 3-4 fruits at the tips of the plant is a good sign, but lemon trees may need a bit more time to mature and produce more fruit. To encourage further fruiting, ensure the tree is well-fed and watered, and give it plenty of sunlight. Remember, some citrus trees can take a few years to establish their fruiting cycle, so be patient and continue caring for the tree with regular maintenance.

Lastly, for the ants, it’s often a sign of aphid or scale presence, as ants farm these pests for honeydew. It's best to address the actual issue rather than kill off ants that do not cause damage.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AJ-DIYer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108412#Comment_108412

Hi @MitchellMc

A few weeks have passed since my last post, less sign of leaf miners as I have been using the pest oil.

I was just wondering whether I should cut or leave the branch with the leaves that I took off?

Here is the picture. Does it need more time for the leaves to grow in between?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121639#Comment_121639

Hi @AJ-DIYer

I suggest leaving the branch as is for the moment until the tree has fully recovered from the infestation. The best time to trim a young lemon tree is in late winter to early spring, just before new growth starts. This allows the tree to heal quickly and put energy into healthy new shoots when the weather warms up.

For a young tree, pruning should focus on shaping it for strong growth. Remove any suckers from the base, inward-growing branches, or weak shoots. If any long, leggy branches are forming, tip-prune them to encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn or winter, as this can make the tree vulnerable to frost damage.

If your lemon tree has already started growing vigorously in spring, a light summer trim can also help maintain its shape and encourage fruit production. Just avoid cutting too much during extreme heat, as this can stress the tree.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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