Citrus can be planted almost year-round if done with care.

Planting

Dig a hole at least 2 feet wider and deeper than the root ball of the new tree. Amend backfill soil with 30% mulch, then refill to the depth of the root ball and place the tree in the hole. If in a plastic pot, cut out bottom of the container first. Next, place the tree in the hole and cut pot off. Acidify the bottom of the hole with a handful of soil acidifier. It is very important to leave the root ball intact. Set the tree so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Fill in the hole with remaining backfill, firming as it is being filled. This step is very important. Now form a 3-4 inch deep watering basin around the tree. Always be absolutely certain that the tree is planted no deeper in the soil than it was in the pot.

Watering

Deep water after planting. We recommend using Green Light Root Stimulator the first few times you water. To water properly, fill the water basin and keep it filled for approximately one hour or until you are sure the water has gone down past the root ball. For established trees, water deeply every 7 days in the summer and once every 2-4 weeks in the winter. Mulching with Greenworld Mulch will help to retain soil moisture.

A Few Other Pointers

• Protect tree trunks from sunburn by using tree wrap or trunk paint
• Keep water basins around young trees free from grass and other plantings
• Prune off all sucker growth from below the bud union
• Be careful not to over-fertilize your new citrus. The recommended feeding schedule is Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Use Citrus Food or a slow release fertilizer.