Knowing how to recognize fruit problems is not easy and it can take quite a bit of time to familiarize yourself with the signs, warnings and characteristics of each type of fruit-related ailment. However, not all citrus tree fruit problems are common in North American regions.

The two most common types of fruit diseases are referred to as fruit drop and citrus scab. Here is a brief description of each:

Fruit Drop: The signs of severe fruit drop are quite obvious. Early in the fruit formation period, small immature fruit will fall from the tree in large quantities. Though it is normal for a fruit tree to drop some of its fruit as a self-thinning process, an abundance of fallen fruit is a much more serious issue. Fruit drop is most commonly caused by stress, late frost, lack of water, too much water or even inadequate fertilization.

To avoid Fruit Drop consider fertilizing your tree annually in the spring growing season. It is also imperative to use a fertilizer which is specifically designed with the needs and requirements of citrus trees in mind.

Citrus Scab: This fruit infection is common, and can lead to wasted fruit as well as premature leaf drop. Citrus scab can be identified by the accumulation of small brown raised marks on the skin of maturing fruit. Citrus scab may also result in brown, dried areas on leaves and delayed growth and development.

Citrus Scab and other similar citrus tree fruit problems are caused by overly-damp conditions and excessive watering during wetter seasons which lead to a build up of aggressive fungus. Controlling citrus scab is not difficult for the most part and all that is needed is a fungicide spray or treatment.

It is also recommended that you refrain from watering your citrus tree with a sprinkler, as a drip hose near the base of the tree is much more effective and will prevent the spread of citrus scab and other citrus tree fruit problems.

Minerals: A very common mistake that most gardeners make is to assume that all trees have the same needs when it comes to fertilizers. However, the truth is most brands of tree fertilizer are not sufficient citrus tree food. Citrus species all need micronutrients and they need a lot of them to grow and produce healthy fruit. Your citrus tree will also need base minerals such as phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. But in addition to these it will also need other more specific minerals such as copper, boron, magnesium and zinc.

Mycorrhizal Fungi: This healthy fungus is what helps a tree pull nutrients from the soil. You may not need to add it into your soil if your citrus tree is planted in close proximity to other larger trees. However, if you are one of the many that are planting their tree into a container, then you will have to add the fungi. Mycorrhizal fungi can also be added again at a later date to improve your citrus tree food in the cooler months.

Iron Tablets: There is also one last element that is important to add to your citrus tree food and that is iron. To predict potential iron deficiency you will have to look closely at your citrus tree’s leaves. If they are pale yellow and seem to stop growing soon after they appear then you may have to add iron to your soil. Another way to check iron amounts is to test the PH level in your soil. If your soil reads as seven or higher, then you soil is too alkaline and your tree is not benefiting for the nutrients in your soil. If this is the case simply add some iron caplets to your soil.

Tip #1: Add Animal Manure or Seaweed Fertilizer

Animal manure, especially chicken manure is extremely high in nitrogen and potassium, two things that hungry citrus trees love to have in their soil. You can also try a seaweed fertilizer if you are uncomfortable with animal manure. Also, if you find your tree is a bit picky about its soil and planting location try adding some potash to balance all of your soil nutrients.

Tip #2: Location, Location, Location

Though organic citrus care involves many different elements such as plant food, pest control and fertilization, there are also other, more simple points to consider. One of the most important is the planting location. To successfully produce organic fruit you must choose a location where the tree will receive at least eight hours of direct sun each and every day.

Tip #3: Pesticide-Free Pest Removal

The one thing that sets organic citrus care apart from other gardening styles is the avoidance of pesticides. If you are worried about your trees and the number of harmful pests in your region consider releasing some ladybugs into your garden. They will keep the number of aphids down and as a result will lower the number of illness and diseases.

Tip #4: Set a schedule

It is important when considering organic citrus care to become familiar with your trees seasonal changes and needs. For example, while growing fruit your tree will need extra amendments added to the soil and will need new, fresh fertilizer every other day. To stay organized develop a weekly schedule that outlines the different amounts and types of manure, nutrients and fertilizers you’ve used.

First, the proper type of fertilizer is important. Citrus trees thrive in sandy soils, and this soil does not hold nutrients well. Also, citrus trees can not use the ordinary plant fertilizer. You will need to use fertilizers specific for citrus trees, which are a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, along with small amounts of 10 other ingredients.

Second, figure how much fertilizer to use. The amount is determined by the nitrogen content of the fertilizer. New citrus trees should get 2 ounces of nitrogen, then increased by 4 ounces each year. Established trees can use 1 to 1 – 1/2 pounds of nitrogen yearly.

To determine the nitrogen quantity in your fertilizer, multiply the weight of the fertilizer by the percentage of total nitrogen on the label. Two cups of granular fertilizer equals approximately one pound.

Third, determine when to use citrus tree fertilizer. If you have a young citrus tree and it needs a healthy root system, it will need to be fertilized eight times in the first year.

If you have an established fruit bearing citrus tree, it should be fertilized three times a year – usually in March, May and then October.

Also, try and spray your citrus tree with a citrus nutritional spray each month, from February to October. This will help balance the micro nutrients and give the foliage a lush look.

Use these recommendations, along with using a quality fertilizer, and your citrus tree will reward you with sweet fruit and luscious leaves.