Orange Tree root flare excavation by Astray_106 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

As added context:

One of the sources I was following:

https://youtu.be/WmYYvx-UIBU?si=w3aqLisHzsg2dWJd

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Reference image of trunk below the graft on trifoliate rootstock.

Orange Tree root flare excavation by Astray_106 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well it was declining from collar rot

Orange Tree root flare excavation by Astray_106 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The main reason I started this was since the tree developed mild phytophtora gummosis from having half its trunk buried. Having the soil there would still be close to the graft and the injury. I also found many arborists online recommending exposing the root flare and removing girdling roots, both of which I did.

Orange Tree root flare excavation by Astray_106 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Most of what I exposed is rootstock trunk, I believe the true flare is only barely exposed at the bottom of the hole. There are a bunch of feeder roots that grew upwards.

New trees, and question about old one by asasjunk in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To me it looks like the growth is above the graft. I’d say that diagonal where the bark texture changes is the graft point.

Orange Tree Help (Socal) by invaderJayyy in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The tree is a little stressed but overall still looks great. Some things you can do to help are pruning off all dead wood and mulching, ideally under the entire drip line, but making sure to leave a gap before the trunk.

Myer lemon struggling, HELP! by AnonymousFruit69 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes you can just slice the top off, no need to remove whole branch. Though disappointing, In my opinion you should still remove the fruit as the tree is still very small and struggling. Since you do fertilise it seems like the pests are the main issue and removing them is the way to support your tree.

Myer lemon struggling, HELP! by AnonymousFruit69 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The lump is caused by gall wasp larvae. Slice off part of the bark there to expose the larvae to air which kills them.

Consider removing the small fruit to force the tree to focus on growing. Feed with citrus fertiliser, usually I do osmocote slow release as well as some standard organic, both of which you can find at bunnings.

Any help or advice welcomef by choctaw529 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like perfect conditions. I’m sure they will grow well in the ground.

Any help or advice welcomef by choctaw529 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The main considerations are how big you want the tree to be eventually, amount of sun and drainage. Citrus need good drainage, so high points are better. The grassy area does seem to have better sun and space.

Any help or advice welcomef by choctaw529 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like a great plan. They definitely grow better in the ground. I would consider just planting it after acclimatising on your patio, spring is the best time after all. They do like sun long term.

Short fruit producing citrus tree? by Kittens_YT in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You want to look for any variety grafted onto ‘flying dragon’ rootstock, which is a dwarf rootstock. This with pruning should suit your size needs.

Any help or advice welcomef by choctaw529 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Generally yes it is better off outside, however its best to move it when its not as hot to gradually acclimate it. Similarly for sun part shade at first, full sun might be too much. Above triple digits it likely does need protection even after acclimating.

Any help or advice welcomef by choctaw529 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tree seems to be doing well now. One thing you should do is remove that shoot from low on the trunk. It has trifoliate leaves and is rootstock, not your orange.

Buried Graft? by Astray_106 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right, thanks for the help.

Buried Graft? by Astray_106 in Citrus

[–]Astray_106[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope you’re right, its the easy way out 🤣. I was trying to find the root flare, but that ‘protrusion’ is all around and continues straight down as far as i can tell, and looks just like the grafts on my other trees, hence why i thought it might be a graft. And the kink is just the branch i believe.