Sick lime tree (forum)

BJ starts with ...
Hello,
My lime tree has become very sick over the last two months. Although soil acidity isn't ideal (about 7.5) the lime has been in the garden for over 12 months - and this is a recent illness. Plus the lemon tree approximately 4 metres away is in the same soil, and recieves the same water - but is a deep dark green and healthy. I've several other citrus and they are also healthy and dark green.
The lime has lost about half its branches, and despite frequent water, good quality mulch (kept about 20cm away from the trunk) and ample (cough, cough) provision of urea (thanks husband) it is not in a good way. I have added trace elements in case it was iron or magnesium, but the tree still looks like it is lacking in water and nutrients. I cannot find any insects (and have treated for sap-suckers). I have seasol-ed and added mixed organic animal poo ... the lemon is loving it but the lime is still sick.
Does anyone have any idea as to how I can make my lime tree happy again?
Thanks in advance
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3
Picture: 4
Picture: 5

Time: 7th January 2011 7:38pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author BJ11
WA
#UserID: 3414
Posts: 215
View All BJ11's Edible Fruit Trees

chris says...
You have a sick lime tree, because you have a nutrient imbalance.
If you are going to feed a citrus tree with a chemical fertilizer never just use a single element fertilizer, like Urea.
You need to use a balance fertilizer with NPK, not just Nitrogen.
Lay off the urea. It can be over 40% N.
Lay off the animal poo. That will also be contributing to the excess in N.
Don't apply any more trace elements. Once a year is usually more than adequate.
To rectify the problem, I would apply potash. This is useful in helping to correct imbalances, particularly excess Nitrogen. Remember a little is a good. Applying more than directed is not.
Give the tree time to adjust. You can continue with Seasol, but I wouldn't use anything else until the tree improves.
And get yourself a balanced citrus fertiliser, and save the urea for the lawn!

Time: 7th January 2011 11:28pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
Original Post was last edited: 8th January 2011 9:31am

About the Author Chris
sydney
#UserID: 2281
Posts: 263
View All Chris 's Edible Fruit Trees

BJ says...
Thanks Chris,
I'll give the potash a shot.
The "urea" is from human wee - something that a couple of nurseries suggested would help perk the tree up (hence my "cough" and statement that it was the husband providing - prehaps too cryptic!). I wasn't aware that wee could provide too much nitrogen. You learn something new every day! My husband tells me the nursery recommended wee is "shared" with the other three citrus I have, so thankfully it does not appear to have harmed them. The tree does look like some chemical is affecting it so maybe cutting out such things will help. Thanks for the advice

Time: 8th January 2011 12:55am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author BJ11
WA
#UserID: 3414
Posts: 215
View All BJ11's Edible Fruit Trees