Mature Meyer Lemon Decline: Root Rot from Flooding Suspected

Symptom Complex

John's 5-year-old Meyer lemon (FL west coast, near Peace River): prolific until October return from travel. Broken branches (fruit weight?), fewer leaves, cracked/peeling bark at base, fruit scaling, now large limb sections dying. Concern for nearby honeybell oranges.

Diagnosis: Root Rot

"Sounds like root rot. Somehow it got too much water." Peace River flooding possible.

Natural Recovery Approach

• Cut off ALL water to root zone
• Kathy's experience: Citron recovered in 10+ years with zero irrigation
• Tree healed itself
• Avoid systemic poisons — would contaminate fruit

Alternative if Not Water-Related

Send photos for reassessment. But flooding/overwatering fits: cracked bark at base, sudden decline after wet period, limb dieback.

Neighbor Tree Protection

Root rot not typically contagious to adjacent trees unless shared saturated soil. Monitor honeybells for similar symptoms.