How long will your citrus tree live for? Check out this guide to learn about the average life expectancy of a citrus tree and related tree care advice.
Are you thinking about growing your own personal lemon tree? Have you wondered what kind of care a citrus tree may need to grow strong and produce delicious oranges in the future? How long do most citrus trees live for anyway?
These are all really important questions to consider before going out and purchasing a citrus tree. There are a lot of different factors that go into maintaining healthy trees.
Read on to find out more and to find out which tree might be the right fit for you.
Lifespan vs. Productivity Lifespan
For most citrus trees, the average lifespan of a growing tree is 50 years. This applies to lemon, orange, and even dwarf citrus trees. Fruit production generally begins between ages 2 and 5.
Most trees will produce throughout their entire life once they reach maturity. If your tree has healthy foliage, this is the biggest indicator of its health.
Can Citrus Trees Thrive in Cooler Climates?
There are many different types of citrus. The ones that thrive the best in North America are lemon, orange, and dwarf citrus trees. These trees can be put in planters or planted in the ground.
For those in cooler climes throughout the country, it's important to keep an eye on the weather and your tree. Just because you live in Michigan doesn't mean you can't have fresh orange juice all year around!
Taking care of your tree and keeping it in warm, sun filled rooms during the winter will ensure its production and health.
How to Keep Them Healthy
When you plant a citrus tree, especially in a place it may not naturally grow, it's very important to make sure you're keeping it healthy.
Using citrus fertilizers will ensure the soil is kept nutrient rich for your plant. It's also important to prune it regularly. But only prune it during off seasons. Usually when the tree loses its leaves.
Do not over water any of your citrus trees. This can lead to detrimental rot. Rot will eventually kill your plant. If you plant your tree in the ground, make sure the soil drains well.
Containers vs. Ground
Citrus trees do great either in planters or in the ground. For those of us lucky enough to live in warmer states, having a small grove of citrus trees may be the best dream.
Citrus can do very well in planters. Making sure you keep the soil fertilized and move the trees in when it's getting cooler will help maintain their lives.
Need More Advice on Citrus Tree Care?
Still thinking about picking up a couple of citrus trees? Great!
Citrus trees are great investments, and as long as you take care of them, they'll take care of you. Keeping them healthy will one day lead to you having fresh citrus that you can then turn into delicious citrus recipes!
Growing Trees is fun, and every tree we send comes with a 20-page care guide.
