Big bad oranges

Question

Hello, I have 2 orange trees, not sure what type. One has smaller good oranges, the other huge, extremely thick pith – up to 1/2″, dried up and yellow inside, the whole tree has fruit like this, covered in giant bad oranges. Both trees have yellow leaves and lots of dead wood, I am picking oranges now and will have the trees cut. Another question … how much do I have cut off? Seems to me that a lot should be cut off giving them a chance to start over.

The leaves curl and I took some to a local nursery, they said it is Thrip or something and I sprayed with Malathion or something, nothing worked

I live in Phoenix AZ, with clay soil, I give both trees 1/2 bag of feed 3 to 4 times a year, extra water in the summer.

Any suggestions please, would really appreciate it, thanks, Brenda

Answer 1

Your tree with the giant oranges may have been taken over by the root stalk – the tree the desired variety was grafted onto. Look for the graft and see if branches below it are producing the abnormal oranges. Everything below the graft needs to be removed.

Here is information on pruning, fertilizing and watering your trees. By keeping to these cultural chores, I think you will be happy with the results.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/pruning-orange-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/growing-an-orange-tree.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/leaf-curl-in-orange-trees .

htmhttps://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-fruit-thick-rind.htm