Do lemon trees grow suckers in the tops of the tree?
A fast growing vertical growth that originates from the trees trunk or branches are called Watersprouts.
A Watersprout growth can occur from weather or other damage to the tree; if the tree had been left unpruned for years, then was pruned, you may see this rapid growth.
The tend to grow vertically and can block light and circulation to the tree.
Left in place they can reduce the fruit quality and can be weak areas of the tree that may break and split easily.
Prune these branches as soon as they appear and use good pruning practices--clean tools, clip branches close to the truck.
Spring is the best time to remove these, but they may appear throughout the growing season.
I have a property on Pico in the Azores and there are a number of lemon and orange trees that are very old. Is there any advice you could offer in addition to what is on your site? Thanks, Dave.
One of the best places to look for advice is on university websites, like these ones:
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/pruning/L2308.htm
homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/8058.pdf
ucanr.edu/sites/placernevadasmallfarms/files/134946.pdf
I have problem with mold in soil. I'm trying to grow a baby lemon tree indoors this winter and I was wondering if you had any advice on how to kill this fungus. Is sodium bicarbonate and any other organic fungicides like it ok to use on this fungus?
If you are starting new plants you should start with a good commercial potting soil.
I don't recommend reusing old potting soil.
You can compost the old soil.
It is possible to sterilize old soil but this isn't an easy or a task you may want to do in your oven.
You also can help prevent mold and fungus growth by making sure your plants have adequate air circulation.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/growing-lemon-trees-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/propagating-lemon-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sterilizing-soil.htm
My dwarf lemon tree is inside for the winter in a very sunny window that gets morning and afternoon sun. I have been fertilizing on a regular schedule, but recently it dropped all of its leaves and now the branches are starting to turn brown. I have dug into the soil and it doesn't appear to be too wet. I know that citrus is very sensitive to over watering. It has not been repotted in several years - does it need a soil change?
It is fairly normal for citrus plants to drop leaves during the winter indoors, since it's hard to give them as much light indoors as they get outdoors. However, if the branches are turning brown, there could be a problem.
One possibility is fertilizer buildup in the soil- this could happen if you have been fertilizing more often than recommended or if the water is not allowed to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Citrus trees should be fed half as often in winter as in summer. If you suspect this, wash out the extra fertilizer next time you water by letting plenty of water run through the soil and out throught the drainage holes.
Also check for any insects or other pests that may be on your tree.
Why has the tree (2 years old), which was growing and healthy, now lost its leaves and its branches are going brown?
Frost damage, wind damage, phytophthora root rot, bacterial blast, and several other diseases can all cause specific branches on a citrus tree to die and lose their leaves. Please see these articles for more information and links:
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/C107/m107bpleaftwigdis.html
https://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/diseases/az1154/
Diseases vary by region, so you might want to consult a local extension agent or other expert.
My lemon tree lost its leaves. Is this normal?
This can be caused by several issues.
Review the article below.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/lemon-tree-leaf-drop.htm
The tree is about 2 years old and stands about 1 metre high. It seems to have spread out normally, but has long fronds emerging from it, almost a metre high. Is this normal?
It is possible that you have had suckers grow out from the root stock of the tree.
Suckers should be removed as soon as they appear at the base of the tree.
Here are some links to help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/how-to-grow-a-lemon-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/can-grafted-trees-revert-to-their-root-stock.htm