Lime Tree Problem

Question

My lime tree looks bad. The leaves are wrinkled and shriveled and it seems to be losing leaves. The bark has some white spots and an ant problem. The tree seems dry, but it gets plenty of water. What is it? What can I do?

Answer 1

By wrinkling and shriveling of the leaves, do you mean curling? Typically citrus leaf curl is caused by aphids (which would explain the ants--as they like to "farm" aphids for their sticky honeydew). Neem oil should help.

Here is an article on aphids that may help with other ideas on how to treat them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm