Question:
I have a four-year-old lime tree that’s planted in the ground. Two years ago, the limes were about the right size. Today, they are much smaller, and the leaves are covered in black stuff. It hasn’t grown; it’s still the same size as when I planted it. What am I doing wrong?Answer:
- Your lime is suffering from several problems that are not related to each other.
- First, the black stuff on the leaves is called Black Sooty Mold. Insects such as Aphids, especially in the spring or Scale, are the primary culprit, along with other sucking insects.
- They feed on the new growth, passing the plant juices through their bodies. This clear, sticky substance then drops onto the foliage below, where the black mold grows. You prevent the Black Mold by controlling the bugs with Horticultural Oil during the year. In March, start feeding the lime monthly through October with Citrus food.
- The flush of new growth will mask or hide the discolored leaves.
- The Black Mold will not disappear on its own.
- Your second problem is that your plant is planted too deep in the ground; hence, it hasn’t grown.
- The top of the first root should be at or just above the soil surface. When planted too deep, plants struggle and eventually die from root rot.
- In late March, I would dig the plant and replant it. You protect the exposed roots by mulching the area when the temperatures warm up.
- Lastly, the small, dry fruit is caused by irregular watering and fertilizer.
- After replanting, place a six-inch high watering basin around the plant. It should extend from the trunk to the drip line. You would fill this basin to the brim several times when you water.
- Once the rainy season concludes, water weekly. When the temperatures are over ninety degrees water twice a week, you’ll see a vast improvement in your lime by the fall.
- I’d also take a few digital pictures so you can track the changes throughout the year.
Question:
Will it harm my roses to trim off the thorn after pruning?Answer:
- I’m not sure what you would gain by removing the thorns.
- There is no horticultural advantage in removing them. You put the plants at risk by creating entry points for stem diseases and invading insects.
- These bushes will not remain thornless for long as the thorns return with new growth. I think it’s just a waste of time with little to gain from it.
- However, I would do the following: remove all the remaining foliage on the bush(es)and the debris at the bush's bushes.
- Next, spray the dormant canes and ground immediately under them with a Copper Funigicde. The fungicide helps control the overwintering fungal spores.
- Finally, loosen the metal tag so it doesn’t girdle the stem where it’s attached.