Question
I have noticed since last fall that some of my lower tree leaves are yellowing
and falling off. Can you over water a fruit tree in Az and does this sound like
it is getting too much water. I have very little fruit on the tree this year and
had plenty of blooms. This is my 1st fruit tree and just not sure what needs to
be done to stop the yellowing and to improve the fruit bearing. I did put
fertilizer spikes out earlier this spring. The tree is about 2 years old.

Answer
Hi Brad, You should be watering your citrus tree about once a week now with a minimum of about 3 1/2 inches of water.  No mulch, not grass, or weeds should be under your tree.  The roots need to dry out.  By using a cheaper fertilizer it is making the plant thirsty with the added salt they add for filler, that could kill or harm your tree, always use a slow release and read the label.  Sometimes you may need to spray with a fungicide as a fungus in the blooms.  Also, is the tree very young?  If it is only two years old it may only give you a few fruit, as it will abort that which is can not support. Leaves do yellow and fall to make room for blooms and fruit and then they send out new leaves.  Hope one of the above relates to your problem.   kathy