Why is our 12 year old Satsuma shedding fruit right now.

Question

The fruit is one to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and is yellow. Lost 8 today alone. The tree is about 12 feet tall and at least that in diameter. Nothing is growing under it except a little bit of lawn on one side. It gets watered every other day. We fertilized it earlier, at the recommended time and rate.

Answer 1

Several things can cause fruit drop. One occurs when the tree has produced more fruit than it can handle. It will drop some to lighten the load so to speak. Also, stressors such as disease, insects or environmental stresses such as overpruning, drought or excessive rainfall also can cause fruit drop.

https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1492.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/tangerine/mandarin-orange-tree-care.htm