Question
My orange tree has a thin canopy,  some yellowing leaves and some roots are coming up to the surface. Does not responds well to water or fertilizer. Trunk looks healthy. Branches are covered with lichen. I sprayed Volck oil in the past because of a white fly problem, but still not much improvement. What is wrong?

Answer
Hi Tessa.  A thin canopy at this time could mean the tree is getting ready  to produce flowers and new leaves.  A citrus is semi deciduous.  You can cover up the roots, no higher than the roots,also no mulch, rocks, plants under the canopy of your tree.   Water approximately 3 inches per week for minimal maintenance.  Lichen does not hurt the tree.  kathy