I have a soil problem. how do i fix it?

Question

I have a soil problem. how do i fix it?

Ok, i bought a small lemon tree ( 2meter) and fertilized soil then I planted it then it stayed the same high for 1 and a half years.

In the 1and a half year the tree leafs turned yellow and the stems turned to dieing brown then new stems come out the the same thing leafs turing yellow then stem dies.

so know only the tree is there but no leafs or stems. why?
Is it because the soil is to heavy, the sun or the type of water?

Additional Details

this happened to 3 lemon trees i bought one after the other. maby not enof nitrogen?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The first thing you should do is get a soil test done by your extension office or a nearby university ag dept. You can even buy an inexpensive home soil test kit from garden centers that will tell you the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. Lemon trees prefer a pH of 5.5 6.5 and any thing out of that range is not conducive to good growth. Nitrogen levels that are too low can contribute to "blight" (young tree decline) which sounds like your problem. Most, but not all cultivars do best in a sandy to sandy loam soil. Lastly, lemons do not like "wet feet". Over watering or poor draining soil can also cause the same symptoms you describe. You can find many lemon tree growing sites on line for more info.

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Asker's Comment:

thank you all

Answer 2

If the leaves are always turning yellow, I think it may be getting too much water or has poor drainage.

If its still alive, you may want to dig it up, dig a new location and fill the new hole with a good quality compost and planting soil mix. Be sure the roots are properly separated, then plant. You may want to trim back some of the branches, keep it watered until frost, then hope for the best.

Answer 3

There is a possibility that there isn't enough nitrogen. There should be tags with your trees telling you what the best way is to take care of them.

The next time you try planting a tree, you may want to try adding compost to the hole and mixing well with the surrounding soil. Also, make sure there is enough light and that the soil isn't too damp.

Good luck!