Lime Tree Leaf Loss

Question

My lime tree was doing so well, leaves looked good, fruit produced, etc. Then all of a sudden two weeks ago, the lower limbs drooped and the leaves lost their color and firmness. I pruned off some of the lower branches and took the fruit. Within days ALL the leaves dropped, fruit and all. Besides having no idea what happened, except the heavy daily rain storms, what else could it be and what can I do?

Answer 1

It may have been sitting in too much water. If the soil was not well draining, this can damage the roots. The damaged roots can not take up water like it should and this leads to leaf loss. This article can help you determine if it is root rot:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm

Also, overly dry conditions followed by sudden watering can also cause massive leaf drop. The best way to prevent this is to make sure the tree is well watered all the time.

If the leaf loss is due to unequal watering, the leaves will regorw if you give it some TLC. If it is sue to root rot, you will need to address the root rot and then the leaves will regrow.