Yellowing Leaves on a Young Arizona Sweet Orange Tree

Common Causes

• Overwatering: Citrus needs deep, infrequent watering (~3.5 inches/week). Let soil dry between waterings. No mulch or grass under canopy.
• Fertilizer burn: Cheap fertilizers contain salts that damage roots. Use slow-release citrus fertilizer.
• Natural leaf drop: Some yellowing and shedding occurs as the tree shifts energy to bloom and fruit.
• Fungal bloom infection: Can cause poor fruit set; treat with fungicide if suspected.

Action Plan

1. Adjust irrigation to weekly deep watering.
2. Remove mulch/grass from root zone.
3. Apply slow-release citrus fertilizer per label.
4. Monitor for pests (check leaf undersides).

Young trees often produce little fruit in early years; focus on establishing a healthy root system.