Cold season care for Everbearing Meyer Lemon Tree - Ask Extension
Last October we had a Meyer Lemon Tree planted in our back yard as part of our conversion. We were told recently to protect it from frost damage to wr...
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Cold season care for Everbearing Meyer Lemon Tree #378298
Asked November 27, 2016, 3:17 PM EST
Last October we had a Meyer Lemon Tree planted in our back yard as part of our conversion. We were told recently to protect it from frost damage to wrap it with a string of (non-led) christmas lights, saying the low heat emitted from the lights would protect it from freeze damage. Have you used or know anyone who has used this method and is it really needed in Las Vegas? Thank you for your input. Also is the once a week watering adequate for this tree during the winter. We have a beautiful crop lemons now! Thank you!
Clark County Nevada
Expert Response
Thanks for your Meyer lemon tree question. According to the USDA, your hardiness zone in Clark County is 9a (so gets down to 20 to 25 degrees F). Meyer lemon trees are hardy down to zone 8, so you shouldn't have too much of a cold issue. Having said that, if you anticipate that temperatures will get below freezing, you might want to take precautions. I can find no reliable source that recommends Christmas tree lights as a method of keeping them 'safe.' Typically, protecting them from strong (cold) winds, ice and snow is the best preventative methods available. And watering once a week should be adequate, but if the leaves begin to wilt, you'll know it needs more. Here's a link to a general article on them and their care.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Hope this is helpful. Good luck!
