Reviving a 20-Year-Old Potted Lemon Tree with Leaf Drop

Citrus Needs

Watering inconsistency or light change. If neither, check for scale (sticky foliage), nutrient issues, or pH (target 5.5).

Spray summer/dormant oil for scale.
Soil insects (tiny flies) are minor—spray permethrin or use flea collar pieces on soil.
If significant leaf loss, prune back and fertilize with a quality grower-grade fertilizer (avoid cheap water-solubles with chlorine).

Soil Issues: Arborvitae Browning on Slope: Clay Soil and Water Issues; Greenish Growth on Cherry and Lilac: Lichens Signaling Tree Stress; Scale Insects on Meyer Lemon: Sticky Leaves, Brown Bumps, and How to Save Your Tree; When to Fertilize Apple Trees: Soil Testing Over Guesswork; Diagnosing Yellowing Citrus in Arizona: Fertilizer, Drainage, and pH; Planting Christmas Trees on Former Landfill: Need Local Soil Surveys and Expert Advice; Mossy Soil Under Trees: Algae, Compaction, and Groundcover Alternatives; Watering Trees in Sandy Soil: Don't Overwater; Lemon Tree Care: Container or Ground; Fungus Gnats on Mass Cane: Overwatering Is the Cause, Drying Is the Cure

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