Can My Lemon Tree Be Saved?

Question

We are new to gardening and this is our first citrus tree. We got it last april and was doing real well. It bloomed and started growing 3 lemons. We potted it because we live in Georgia and winters can get cold sometimes so we thought it would be a good idea so we can bring it indoors. When we brought it in around late September, after long days of lots of rain, it started not doing too good. At first I thought it might of been that it was just too wet so I tried to let it dry out some. But little by little it started to lose its leaves but at the same time it continued to bloom again during the winter and the 3 lemons continued growing. Now it seems to have developed scales and looks extra sad. How can I treat it? Can it be saved? Should I remove the lemons? And hoe far back can I prune it? Sorry for all the question and thanks in advance for any help!

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Answer 1

Citrus has a hard time coming inside after being out in the sunshine. They normally will lose some leaves due to the new environment. Give it as much light as you can during the winter. I am including some links on their care that should help.

And yes, it has scale and the ensuing honeydew. Here is information about combatting those (it will take a while). You can leave the lemmons. If you use Neem oil on the scale, it is safe for the lemons.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/controlling-citrus-scale.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/lemon-tree-leaves-turn-yellow.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/growing-lemon-trees-containers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/lemon-tree-pruning.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/tip-on-water-requirements-for-citrus-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/learn-about-fertilizer-for-a-lemon-tree.htm