They look like little black eggs and can be picked off easily. Tree only just started fruiting
I wish you were able to include a photo but two common small black things are aphids and scale insects. See if this article on lemon tree pests helps: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/pests-of-lemon-trees.htm
Click on the blue underlined words to link to pictures and further information.
I live in N.Y and have a 5 foot lemon tree. It spends the summer outside and winters in my living room. I am have a problem with stink bugs on the tree and probably in the dirt. What simple solution is there to getting rid of them?
Hello, you can deter them with neem oil, as long as you don't spray in bright light. This can burn the tree. There are many more ways to control them, as well. Here is a collection of articles that can help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/
Your first of ten recommendations is to fertilize with high nitrogen. Your eighth rec is to use a low nitrogen based fertilizer. Which is correct? Ted
This depends on the age, and stage of the trees life. Generally, when the tree is less than 5 years old, the fertilizer will be high nitrogen. As the tree ages, the ratio of NPK will change throughout the season. Potassium and phosphorus are used most during fruiting and flowering. Usually, if you use a citrus fertilizer, they will be blended to suit most any citrus tree at most any time.
i planted a lemon tree in a barrel.its doing well..but..there are lots of tiny lemons on the tre ,they grow a bit ,lots fall off and the ones that stay on the tree ripen when the lemon is still the size of an acorn...why are they not growing to a larger lemon...i have had lemons from that tree that were larger
How often do you fertilize? You will need to do this at least once per year. I recommend at least twice for container, but it is not completely necessary. This is usually due to a lack of potassium and phosphorus in the soil. It is also best to apply dolomitic lime and iron sulfate to the soil when you fertilize. This will save you much trouble in the long run.
Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/growing-lemon-trees-containers.htm
Lemon and lime tree, sporting yellow spots and leaves are falling off. What is it? What should I do about it?
Possible citrus canker:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/common-lemon-tree-diseases.htm
My lemon tree is producing good blossoms. I'm pollinating them with a brush. Blossoms keep falling and I don't see any fruit. Watering and fertilizing as directed. Why is there no fruit?. Received in Dec; now Feb. South side window.
This will be due to lack of light. Even with a South facing window, there will not be near enough light. My citrus are, strictly, indoors so they are under artificial lighting.
Generally, I recommend at least 200 watts of quality horticultural lighting per tree. They are very light starving and will not bear fruit without enough of it.
There are many different types of lighting available. Should you choose HID bulbs, they will require ventilation and quite a bit of air movement. GOOD QUALITY LED will not need near the ventilation and will not need to be changed yearly, as with HID bulbs, but they are very pricey.
KIND LED is my choice, since the larger fixtures are completely programmable, but they are not budget friendly. It is best to do research into the LED company before purchasing if you decide this way. LEDs get a bad reputation from cheap companies.
We pruned our very large lemon tree quite severely. It now is all green leaves with very few fruits, whereas before it was very abundant. There are now very many branches growing upright full of green leaves. What should we do to make our tree produce more lemons..?? Thanks Maureen
"Severely" is the key term. Now you know why it is not advised.
Best management practices for tree and shrub pruning is for minimal to moderate pruning only, light thinning and shaping and don't remove more than 25% of the foliage in a one year period. If you need more crown reduction, do it in stages over a couple or three years.
You will just have to give it some time. The rampant re-growth that is a response to the severe pruning, will slow down in time. A 4 digit postal zone, is that Australia? Fall weather coming up should see a reduced growth rate. At which time you can thin and shape the new growth somewhat, but not to heavily. Spring should see a more moderate growth rate and some flowering.
Do not fertilize with a high Nitrogen chemical fertilizer or you will stimulate more rampant growth. Use a complete organic fertilizer with adequate Phosphorus and Potassium that support flowering and fruiting.
The second year will be most likely to get back to balanced growth and adequate fruiting.