Question
QUESTION: I have recently planted an Arizona Sweet Orange tree and it has developed some black spots on the leaves and some leaves are losing their color.  The tree was supposedly 4 years old and I was told to water daily for 15 days after planting after which I should water twice a week for 40 minutes each time.  In addition I put a tree spike fertilizer by it recently.  This is in Yuma and I am not familiar with watering/planting in this region.  The spots are on a lot of the leaves and are in the leaf not on it.  Solution?

ANSWER: Hi Linda, That is a lot of water for the tree.  I would say 3x a week in Florida
for 1 month, depending on rain, then a weekly watering of minimum of 3
1/2 inches per week.  Fertilizer spikes are a waste of money, check
and there should be a high content of salt and chlorine in the
product.  Always use a slow release.  Sounds like a fungal problem
that can be corrected with proper watering and a fungicide.  There are
products on the market or you can use and organic product called
Atomic Grow which would bring your plant back to health.  Make sure
there is nothing under your tree just soil, no mulch or plants, etc.
which can cause a build up of dampness to cause fungus.  kathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In addition I have two new Palm trees (a Mediterranean and Phoenix).  I also know nothing about the watering needs of Palms.  I planted them a year ago and they are on an automatic watering system (as is the orange tree).  I watered three times a week for the first several months and now have them cut down to twice a week.  Should they (as well as the orange) be cut back to once a week?  It gets to about 115 to 120 degrees here in the summer.  What would be a good organic food for them?  Or do they need to be fed?

Answer
Hi Linda, I would consult with the Agricultural Extension in you area as the temps here are different than what you have in Arizona.  I use horse manure to fertilize my outdoor citrus and plants.  It does not have to be aged but cow, or chickens have to be older.  kathy