Question
pink grapefruit tree
Hello Mr.McCann, I know you are only answering tropical plant questions right now, but there are no experts available to answer citrus tree questions at this time, and you were such a great help to me previously. You are "The Man" as a Citrus tree expert. So, if you can help me, I'd be forever in your debt.
Last year, right before spring, I pruned both of my miniature pink grapefruit trees the same way. One tree exploded with new branches, green leaves, and lots of fruit. But the other tree did nothing. It's as if it's frozen in time, for the last year. It hasn't grown any new branches, green leaves, or any fruit. It has always been the better of the two trees, for over 10 yrs. I don't understand it. I've always cared for both trees per your instructions. Thank You Sincerely, Mr.R Cerra
AnswerHi gain, and I will be glad to continue to help you with Citrus; it looks fine Bob, what often happens though is they do become sedate and some times it takes esoteric methods to snap them out of the doldrums. I don't know if I ever told you this method, but I have to other who have experienced "stubborn" trees that continue to look healthy and spry, by refuse to set blooms or new flush for that matter. This is an old farmers method of stimulating a non producing tree into action, wrap the center of trunk with several heavy towels, then take a baseball bat and give it about 5-10 good whacks right on the towel (to prevent damaging the bark and cambium layer). This will send a signal to the tree that it is under duress and may be dying, and needs send out new growth and blooms to set fruit and eventually shed said fruit so as to carry on the family genes. This method doesn't always work, but it hurts nothing to try, when you hit it, hit it hard enough to shake the tree pretty good, but not hard enough to crack the trunk. Other then that, the only thing you can do is wait until it decides to wake up on its own. good luck! and let me know how things eventually turn out. Nick
