Question
Hi, We bought a Meyer Lemon Tree in about a 3 gallon container and put in the ground one year and 2 months ago.  We have it fenced with wire as we live on a green belt and have deer etc.  We got three lemons last year.  The tree has about 25 blossoms right now but I see that quite a few of the leafs are being eaten and kind of curly.  I am wondering what is eating our leaves.  I cannot see any bugs or insects.  I see some small lemons but lots of leaves with chucks eaten out of them. Can you tell us if we should spray it and with what??.  Will the spray hurt the fruit??. We live in Redding, California (quite northern California.

Answer
Sounds like a chewing insect such as a worm or caterpillar based on your description.  Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide will kill the critters.  Home Depot sells it.  It is mixed with water and is poured around the base of the tree.  It is taken up systemically and will kill the bugs.  It is, however, not labeled for lemons.  You may have to sacrifice the first fruit.  Another suggestion is to use a product called thuricide or Dipel.  This product is effective against worms and is biological and completely safe to apply and then eat the fruit.  I hope these suggestions will solve your problem.  Good Luck.