Lemon tree problem (forum)

Petegee starts with ...
Hi guys

Hoping to get some help and/or advice. My lemon tree was healthy and green maybe 6 months ago... Since then has lost all leaves and branches are dying. I also keep getting these mushroom things at bottom?. What is wrong and how can I fix this?
Many thanks
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Picture: 1

Time: 17th January 2013 6:14pm

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About the Author Petegee
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Jason says...
That's interesting but unfortunately fungi eat dead stuff not living so I think this is a bad sign

Time: 17th January 2013 6:52pm

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About the Author Jason
portland
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MaryT says...
What happened in the six month? Was it dry; was it watered; was it fed? The soil looks poor. It actually looks like rot to me. Does it have good drainage? If it's dead nothing can be done so first look for signs of life. Can we have a picture of the whole tree?

Time: 17th January 2013 7:01pm

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About the Author MaryT
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Petegee says...
I have attached a few more. The house was rented and tenants did not water or maintain the tree or garden. It had lots of lemons but now nothing..I have googled some stuff and I think it may be armillaria?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 17th January 2013 7:15pm

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About the Author Petegee
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Jason says...
Looks like its been dead for a while, more than 6 months I'd say, seems a big tree, maybe its time was up. The trunk does look like its been rotting for many years

Time: 17th January 2013 7:36pm

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Original Post was last edited: 17th January 2013 7:38pm

About the Author Jason
portland
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Xiem says...
My only suggestion is don't waste any more time with it. Life's too short. Rip it out, prepare a new site with manure, blood and bone, etc plant a new grafted lemon tree and water it in well. In a year or so you'll have your own fresh lemons.

Time: 17th January 2013 8:03pm

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ringelstrumpf says...
I would try to snap the branches and you see if everything is dead. If there is still something green inside the branch it is alive. Our neighbours tree died but because of too much water. If it's still alive I would mulch the poor tree and maybe put a LITTLE bit of Epsom salt around.

Time: 17th January 2013 8:27pm

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About the Author ringelstrumpf
 
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Petegee says...
sounds like it has to go....thanks guys!

Time: 17th January 2013 8:28pm

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About the Author Petegee
Adelaide
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Petegee says...
thanks ringel I might try that... I really don't want to get rid of it (yet) still holding some hope it'll spring back!

Those mushrooms at bottom.. Is it safe to leave there or remove?

Time: 17th January 2013 8:29pm

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About the Author Petegee
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MaryT says...
How sad. Yes, see if there's any give to the branches; if they're dry and brittle, they're dead. I feel for that poor tree; it's suffered a lot of cruel neglect. I don't think the mushroom is responsible for its condition.

Time: 17th January 2013 9:05pm

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About the Author MaryT
Sydney
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