Every spring I look out into my yard and wonder if my Citrus trees will have a good year. One of my newly planted Arizona Sweet Orange Trees surprised me by producing five healthy fruits this past December.  As we enter summer, I need to review fertilizer needs for my plants.

Citrus trees need nutrients to grow.  Fertilizing your trees is necessary in order to have a healthy and fruit bearing tree.  If you develop a regular plan, you will make the difference between a bumper crop of fruit or a bummer crop of fruit.

The Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office provides resource information on their website.  Here is a link to the recommended fertilizer guidelines for Arizona:
http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/MC91.pdf.  They recommend you give 1/3 of the yearly total of your fertilizer during January-February, 1/3 during April-May, and 1/3 during August-September.

To help me remember my three times per year fertilizer application, I add a reminder to my online calendar.  Another easy way is to associate the date with a holiday -  New Year’s, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Consistency is important as it will help your plants remain healthy and deal with our climate extremes.

Article submitted by Thom Berger - Hillcrest Landscape Committee Chair