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lemon tree has yellow leaves

Noticing that your lemon tree has yellow leaves can be alarming for any gardener, but don't worry—this common problem is often easy to diagnose and solve. Whether you’ve planted a lemon tree in your backyard or grown one in a pot, yellowing leaves signal that your citrus tree may need a little extra care. Here’s what you need to know to return your lemon to good health and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and lemon-scented foliage. It can reach 10 metres tall and makes an excellent shelter tree or native hedge. In spring, it produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers that are attractive to insects.

Buy Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

From $15.04

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 12.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Native, Riparian

Citrus Fertiliser

Applying the correct citrus fertiliser in NZ is essential for achieving better quality fruit, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter-looking tree. Proper nutrition for the tree is crucial during establishment and from flowering until the green fruit becomes visible.

Buy Citrus Fertiliser

From $16.95

Common Causes for Yellow Leaves on Lemon Trees

If your lemon tree has yellow leaves, it usually indicates an underlying issue with care or environment. The primary causes typically include:

Nutrient Deficiency: One of the most frequent reasons lemon trees turn yellow is a lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, or iron. Lemon trees are heavy feeders and need regular fertilising, especially during the growing season.

Overwatering or Poor Drainage: Citrus trees hate wet feet. If the soil is consistently soggy or there’s poor drainage, roots can rot, and leaves will yellow as a result.

Underwatering: Conversely, when a lemon tree is underwatered, it can become stressed and its leaves may yellow and fall off.

Pest Infestations: Pests such as scale, aphids, and mites can sap the energy from your lemon tree and cause leaf yellowing.

Environmental Stress: Sudden changes in temperature, exposure to strong winds, or transplant shock can also cause yellowing leaves in lemon trees.

How to Revive a Lemon Tree with Yellow Leaves

The first step is careful observation. Check whether your lemon tree has yellow leaves just on the lower branches or all over, as this can help pinpoint the cause.

Feed with a Citrus Fertiliser: Apply a slow-release citrus fertiliser in spring and midsummer for healthy new growth.
Improve Drainage: If your tree is in a pot, ensure there are drainage holes. For in-ground trees, consider mounding the soil or adding compost to assist with drainage.
Check Watering: Only water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry. During cooler months, reduce watering frequency.
Combat Pests: Inspect your lemon tree regularly. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Mulch and Protect: A layer of organic mulch helps maintain soil moisture and temperature, reducing stress.

Best Lemon Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

If you have struggled with disease-prone trees, consider planting reliable cultivars. At our nursery, we offer a range of quality lemon varieties, including Lemon 'Yen Ben', which is prized for its excellent juice content, and the sweet and easy-to-grow Lemon 'Lemonade'. The classic Lemon 'Meyer' is well-suited to New Zealand climates, producing fruit throughout the year with proper care. If you prefer a larger fruit, Lemon 'Ponderosa' is a fantastic choice.

While you're at it, why not introduce some colour with perennials like Kniphofia 'Lemon Fizz'? Its citrus-coloured flowers complement lemon trees beautifully in the landscape.

Conclusion

If your lemon tree has yellow leaves, prompt action can restore vibrant growth and ensure a plentiful harvest. Assess soil, water, feed regularly, and choose resilient varieties for the best success. Explore our nursery’s full range of lemon trees and companion plants to keep your garden thriving all year round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

lemon tree has yellow leaves

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Citrus Fertiliser

Did you find what you are looking for?

Common Causes for Yellow Leaves on Lemon Trees

How to Revive a Lemon Tree with Yellow Leaves

Best Lemon Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Conclusion

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

lemon tree has yellow leaves

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Citrus Fertiliser

Did you find what you are looking for?

Common Causes for Yellow Leaves on Lemon Trees

How to Revive a Lemon Tree with Yellow Leaves

Best Lemon Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Conclusion

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

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