Lemon tree leaves - chlorosis or just N-deficient?

tdah1986

Hi all

I have had a little lemon tree for the last three years. Usual story of tree arriving with lemons on it, but we haven't been able to grow any since (young fruit just drops off). 

The tree has grown well and probably doubled in new foliage since we bought it. I repotted it in citrus compost two years ago, and I replace the top few inches of compost every year. I fleece it in the winter and bring it in if it looks like there will be a frost. I water it during the summer with tomato food every couple of weeks. However it still looks stressed. Older leaves are yellowing while new leaves are still strong green. 

Ive just thrown some growmore down but am wondering if it could be something more serious like chlorosis?  Pictures attached, any help gratefully received!

Pete.8

Not sure tomato food is the best for your plant.
I'd strongly suggest getting some seaweed extract and use that.
Your plant does have deficiencies, mostly N I'd say.
You'll loose the yellowing leaves, but seaweed extract should get the balance right for your plant. 
Good luck

tdah1986

Thanks Pete. Always thought tomato food was a good all rounder - a bit lazy! I'll look into it

Pete.8

It is a good all-rounder generally for flowering/fruiting plants, but citrus needs are a bit different and seaweed extract will give your plant all it needs. Or, you can buy specialist citrus feed - 1 for summer and 1 for winter

tdah1986

Thanks for the help last year. I actually found that it was scale insects being harvested by a colony of ants. I got rid of them and bought the special citrus fertiliser and the tree had a really good year. 

Anyway, this year I’ve just come back from a three week holiday to find exactly the same thing has happened, although this time the scale insects did a much better job!  The tree has lost many leaves. 

Any tips on helping it recover? I’ve removed all small fruit so it can focus on new leaf production, and kept it well fertilisers. But looking for tips if possible!  Many thanks. 

tdah1986

An update to this thread - I think I've killed all the scale insects for the minute - tree still looks largely as per the photo.  I'm getting lots of flowers pop up on the bare branches, but new leaves only at the tips - so concerned I'm going to have a very sparse tree.  Any tips - should I prune?