Our precious citrus trees - Ask Extension
Hi there, and many thanks for offering this service. We have an Orange, Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon and a Key Lime tree that have been residents at our h...
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Our precious citrus trees #681696
Asked February 24, 2021, 4:04 PM EST
Hi there, and many thanks for offering this service. We have an Orange, Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon and a Key Lime tree that have been residents at our house for quite a few years. We were able to get the Lemon and Lime in the garage to protect them, but the orange and grapefruit were in the ground in the back yard. The orange and grapefruit have lost all their leaves, and we are concerned that they are completely dead. They were wrapped, but when temps are below 10 degrees for hours and below freezing for days, is there any possible chance that we will be able to save them? Our little orange tree blessed us with 79 juicy oranges last season. We surely don't want to loose them!
We also had a 15 year old rosemary bush that had never frozen before - and this time it is completely black. Is there any chance it will live? We have a little organic garden, and were able to save our onions, but the beet greens all died down to the ground even though they were covered in straw and then row covers (but we are pickling the actual beats as I am writing this - they are small, but we know they will be tasty!!)
Travis County Texas
Expert Response
Hi Jill,
Sorry to hear about your citrus trees and other plants.
Starting with the rosemary, this is most likely dead as rosemary is not very cold hardy. However, wait a couple of weeks and check to see if there is any green growth around the base. It there is the plant is still alive. Trim off all the dead wood and hope for the best.
As for your citrus trees. these are not cold-hardy enough to endure the extent of our recent prolonged and extreme freeze, and I am afraid they have most likely been killed. Wait a couple of weeks and then cut through some of the wilted branches. Check if the inside wood is dried and brown or if there is still green fiber. If the wood is brown, the plant is dead.
However, do wait a couple of weeks before doing anything. Then if you think the trees are quite dead, cut off all the dead wood and wait a couple more weeks to see if any new growth emerges from below the ground. I rather think it will not, but if the root system is still intact, there is always a slim chance that the plant my revive.
Liz Stansfeld
Travis County Master Gardeners
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From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 3:04 PM
To: Travis County Master Gardener <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Question assigned to you (#0006510)
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 3:04 PM
To: Travis County Master Gardener <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Question assigned to you (#0006510)
Hi Travis County,
Question #0006510 has been assigned to you by SYSTEM (Auto Assignment)
Our precious citrus trees
Hi there, and many thanks for offering this service. We have an Orange, Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon and a Key Lime tree that have been residents at our house for quite a few years. We were able to get the Lemon and Lime in the garage to protect them, but the orange and grapefruit were in the ground in the back yard. The orange and grapefruit have lost all their leaves, and we are concerned that they are completely dead. They were wrapped, but when temps are below 10 degrees for hours and below freezing for days, is there any possible chance that we will be able to save them? Our little orange tree blessed us with 79 juicy oranges last season. We surely don't want to loose them! We also had a 15 year old rosemary bush that had never frozen before - and this time it is completely black. Is there any chance it will live? We have a little organic garden, and were able to save our onions, but the beet greens all died down to the ground even though they were covered in straw and then row covers (but we are pickling the actual beats as I am writing this - they are small, but we know they will be tasty!!)
From: Jill Johnson
Submitted: 02/24/2021 4:04 PM
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Thank you so very much for your kind reply. We will keep our eyes on them, and start trimming after 2 weeks.
Your service is very much appreciated!!
Jill Johnson
You are very welcome. I certainly feel for you losing your valued fruit trees.
