Buy Citrus Tree Accessories: A Guide

When you go to buy citrus tree accessories like mulch, compost, fertilizer and pest control products; don't forget the importance of buying the right citrus trees. Not only are there a wide variety of trees available that bear different varieties of citrus fruit, there are things you should look out for when purchasing your trees. If you purchase a citrus tree that has problems from the nursery, it won't be saved by fertilizer, mulch and other products.

Purchase a Healthy Citrus Tree

To find a healthy tree, you only need to carefully compare it to other trees you've seen. Comparing it to similar trees in the same nursery might not be helpful if all the trees suffer from the same poor growing conditions or infestations. Find pictures online of healthy trees similar to the one you want and remember what they look like so you can compare.

A healthy citrus tree should have dark green leaves that are glossy in appearance. Faded, yellow or light-colored leaves indicate a tree that probably hasn't been fertilized well and lacks nitrogen. Avoid purchasing weak plants. Also, look for a common problem among citrus trees called collar rot. You can see collar rot by looking for decay where the stem of the tree meets the soil. The bark may look rotten or soft. Avoid these trees. Look for discoloration or other signs of pests as well.

Drip-Watering System

If you want to buy citrus tree accessories, a drip-watering system might go at the top or your list. Because citrus trees need lots of water, this system can be ideal to ensure that they continually get the water they need. Also called drip irrigation, a drip-watering system can be purchased at almost any home or garden store, and will come with complete instructions that tell you how to install it. This gives your citrus trees constant watering.

Mulch

Mulch is another item for your list when you're ready to buy citrus tree tools and helpers. This not only prevents the soil from drying out, but it also keeps weeds from growing around the stem of your tree. Weeds increase the likelihood of pests, so keeping weeds away is important. And the right mulch can enrich the soil. So using mulch can prevent a few problems in one stroke.

Choose organic mulch that consists of things like straw litter or composted animal manure. Spread it under the tree's drip line.

Buy Citrus Tree Fertilizer

Fertilizer is important for good citrus tree growth and citrus fruit yield. Too much nitrogen, however, can produce fruit with overly thick skin, or flourishing leaves and small fruit. Choose a fertilizer designed especially for citrus trees that has about 10% nitrogen content, and use it in early spring and again in late summer. When you buy citrus tree accessories, if you don't have a good tool for pruning, purchase one that you can use on your trees as well as other plants that need to be trimmed.