Why does the grapefruit NOT ripen, then falls off the tree? Thanks.
This is known as "fruit drop". Some amount of fruit drop is normal in citrus trees, but excessive fruit drop can be caused by extreme temperatures, swings in temperature, watering problems, or other environmental challenges.
See the "fruit drop" section of this article for more information:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs141
This article is about lemon fruit drop, but the advice applies to grapefruit as well:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/lemon-tree-fruit-drop.htm
I planted this tree about a year ago. It was doing fine, even to my surprise, small grapefruit appeared this summer. We have had a very wet summer until about 3 weeks ago. The leaves began to curl and discolor. I looked for insects, found none, but sprayed nonetheless, to no avail. Also watered and fertilized, no change. (Pictures attached). Branches appear strong (flexible) and alive. I'm at a loss. Satsumas planted at same time, doing well as are my flowerbeds and rose bushes. Planted a dogwood at same time (about 100' away). It showed signs of insects, sprayed it and appears to be recuperating well. Also cut 4 sprouts from my Sago Palm, planted them and they appear to be doing well. Really would hate to lose this tree.:-( Located in Waveland, MS 39576
This is likely a water issue. The soil may not be draining away the excess moisture and the tree may be dying from root rot.
Dig down into the soil and check the moisture level.
The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Your tree looks quite stressed.
If root rot has taken hold, your tree may not survive.
This article will refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapefruit/growing-grapefruit.htm
I live in AZ and we planted a grapefruit tree a few months ago. There were a few baby grapefruit growing. Should we have cut them off so it can use all its energy on growing roots or does that not apply to trees?
Yes, you are correct.
You should remove any fruit that may be on or forming on your young Grapefruit Tree.
You want your new tree to spend it's energy settling in and growing strong roots.
You can strip the fruit for the first year or two.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapefruit/growing-grapefruit.htm
When the fruit falls and is left to rot on the ground under the tree, does it harm or help the tree?
It is important to remove all dead and fallen fruit from the ground.
The fallen fruit will attract insects and disease.
You can place the fallen fruit in the compost.
We just bought a house, and there is a grapefruit tree in the backyard. It is about 12 feet high. I have removed the dead branches. There is not a lot of fruit, and the fruits are very dark. Some of the leaves are wrinkled and dark. What should I do? I really want to keep it. Thank you in advance.
One possibility for the dark color is sooty mold. Please check this article to see if symptoms match:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
This article discusses possible problems leading to few or no fruit:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapefruit/grapefruit-tree-not-producing.htm
The dark, wrinkled leaves could be citrus leaf curl or one of the diseases discussed below:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/curling-citrus-leaves.htm
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/C107/m107bpleaftwigdis.html
The fruit on my pink grapefruit tree has a thick rind on it, about 10mm average. Is there something I can do to the soil via extra nutrients? Provide more water? Less water? Any suggestions would be appreciated. The tree is very established. I bought this property 5 years ago and the tree was here at that time. This is the first season that it has produced more than a dozen pieces of fruit, average size is that of a baseball, not very big. All my best, Beth
I strongly recommend that you get a soil test. Thick rinds often indicate a lack of phosphorus intake and/or too much nitrogen intake. It's mainly the phosphorus that helps produce the blossoms and then the fruit. Read about it here on GardeningKnowHow: Why Citrus Fruit Get Thick Peels And Little Pulp https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-fruit-thick-rind.htm
I have a grapefruit tree that's only about 16" tall which I grew from a seedling. Only a specific area of leaves on the bottom of the tree have developed yellow spots. They aren't spreading as far as I can tell, and from pictures it doesn't look like citrus canker. A leaf fell off today.
The picture and the symptoms you describe look consistent with citrus greening, an imported disease that has become a major problem in citrus-growing regions. The disease causes mottling with lighter-green areas that cross leaf veins plus leaf and fruit drop, and the symptoms usually affect only one section of the tree.
There may be other possibilities, like nutrient toxicity if the tree has recently been fertilized, but the best thing to do is to contact a local extension agent to check your tree.
Here is some more information about citrus greening:
http://www.citrusalert.com/about-citrus-greening/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-greening-disease.htm
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/C107/m107bpleaftwigdis.html