Why Is My Orange Tree Not Producing Many Leaves Above The Graft Line

Question

My tree got really stressed in the summer and dropped most of its leaves, most survived under the graft line and so I decided to leave them there until my tree grew more on top. But it never really recovered. During fruiting season it didn’t produce many leaves on top, just like one. It has two now and I still can’t get it to produce more. Please help. Much thanks in advance.

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Answer 1

The scion, or tree above the graft, may have died. The rootstalk seems to have survived but it will not produce desirable fruit.

To check if the upper part is alive or not, scrape some bark off the branches or trunk. If it is green below, it is still alive. If it is brown or white, it has succumbed. If it is still green, you can try to revive it by following these care tips:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/growing-an-orange-tree.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm