What Do You Feed Citrus Trees With Yellow Leaves

Seeing yellow leaves on your citrus trees can be worrying. If you’re wondering what do you feed citrus trees with yellow leaves, you’re on the right track to fixing the problem. Yellowing leaves, called chlorosis, are often a cry for help—a sign that your tree is missing key nutrients from the soil. The good news is that with the right soil amendments, you can correct these deficiencies and get your tree back to a healthy, green state.

This guide will help you diagnose the specific cause of the yellowing and choose the best nutrient-rich solutions. We’ll focus on practical, step-by-step fixes you can apply.

Before you feed anything, it’s crucial to understand why the leaves are turning yellow. Feeding the wrong thing can sometimes make the problem worse. The pattern of yellowing gives you the first big clue.

Diagnosing the Yellow Leaf Pattern

Take a close look at your tree. Where is the yellowing happening?

New Growth is Yellow: If the newest leaves at the ends of branches are yellow, but the veins stay green, this usually points to an iron deficiency. This is very common in alkaline soils.
Older Leaves are Yellow: If the older, inner leaves are turning yellow first, you’re likely dealing with a nitrogen or magnesium deficiency. Nitrogen shortage causes an overall pale yellow. Magnesium deficiency creates a yellow pattern between green veins, like a Christmas tree shape.
Overall Yellowing & Poor Growth: If the whole tree is pale, stunted, and not producing well, it could be a general lack of nitrogen or poor root health from overwatering.

The Essential Nutrients for Citrus Trees

Citrus trees are heavy feeders. They need a steady supply of several nutrients to produce those juicy fruits. The main ones involved in leaf yellowing are:

Nitrogen (N): The most important for green, leafy growth.
Iron (Fe): Critical for chlorophyll production, especially in new growth.
Magnesium (Mg): A central component of chlorophyll molecules.
Zinc (Zn): Can also cause yellowing between veins on new leaves.

Choosing and Applying Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendments

Soil amendments add nutrients and improve soil structure. Here’s how to match the amendment to the deficiency.

For Nitrogen Deficiency

This calls for a balanced, quick-release source.

Blood Meal: A fast-acting organic amendment. It’s high in nitrogen and can green up leaves relatively quickly. Scratch it into the soil surface and water well.
Fish Emulsion or Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer: A excellent liquid feed. It provides a nitrogen boost that’s easily absorbed. Apply it as a soil drench every few weeks during the growing season.
Composted Manure: A good all-around soil builder that releases nitrogen slowly. Make sure it’s well-composted to avoid root burn.

For Iron Deficiency (Iron Chlorosis)

Iron is tricky because it gets locked up in high-pH (alkaline) soils. You often need to both add iron and adjust soil pH.

Chelated Iron: This is the most effective treatment. The iron is in a form that roots can absorb even in less-than-ideal soil. Apply as a soil drench according to package directions. You can usually see results in a matter of weeks.
Soil Sulfur: To make iron more available long-term, lower your soil pH. Elemental sulfur works slowly but effectively to acidify alkaline soil. Test your soil pH first; citrus prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

For Magnesium Deficiency

This is one of the easiest fixes.

Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate): Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons in a gallon of water and apply as a soil drench around the drip line of the tree. You can do this 2-3 times a year. Avoid over-applying, as it can lead to other imbalances.

Step-by-Step: Correcting Yellow Leaves

Identify the Pattern: Check if yellowing is on new or old growth.
Test Your Soil: A simple home test kit can confirm pH and hint at nutrient levels. This takes the guesswork out.
Select Your Amendment: Choose based on your diagnosis (e.g., chelated iron for new yellow growth, blood meal for overall pale trees).
Apply Correctly: Follow rates on the product label. For granular amendments, apply to damp soil around the drip line (not against the trunk), scratch in lightly, and water deeply.
Be Patient: Leaves that are already yellow may not fully recover. Look for new growth that emerges green and healthy.

Best Practices for Feeding Citrus Trees

Prevention is always easier than cure. Here’s how to keep your trees from becoming deficient in the first place.

Use a Specialized Citrus Fertilizer: These are formulated with the right N-P-K ratio and include micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese. Apply in late winter, late spring, and early fall.
Mulch Generously: A layer of wood chip mulch conserves moisture, keeps roots cool, and breaks down to add organic matter to the soil.
Water Deeply but Infrequently: Overwatering is a major cause of root damage, which prevents nutrient uptake. Let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings.
Add Regular Compost: An annual top-dressing of compost is one of the best things you can do. It feeds the soil ecosystem, which in turn feeds your tree.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-fertilizing: More is not better. It can burn roots and pollute groundwater. Stick to recommended amounts.
Ignoring Soil pH: If your soil is too alkaline, your tree can’t access iron, no matter how much you add. Correct the pH for a long-term fix.
Treating All Yellowing the Same: Applying a general fertilizer when you have an iron deficiency won’t solve the core problem.

FAQ: Feeding Citrus Trees with Yellow Leaves

Can I use regular garden fertilizer for my yellowing citrus tree?

You can, but it might not have the micronutrients citrus need. A fertilizer made for citrus or acid-loving plants is a better choice because it includes iron, zinc, and magnesium.

How long does it take for yellow leaves to turn green again?

Leaves that are severly yellow often won’t fully recover. The real sign of success is when the tree produces new growth that is deep green and healthy. This can take 4 to 6 weeks after applying the correct amendment.

Is Epsom salt good for all yellow leaves on citrus?

No, it’s only effective for a magnesium deficiency. If the yellowing is due to lack of iron or nitrogen, Epsom salts won’t help and could potentially worsen other imbalances.

Should I remove the yellow leaves from my citrus tree?

It’s generally fine to leave them. They’ll eventually drop on their own. If you find them unsightly, you can gently pluck them off, but avoid stripping the tree.

Can overwatering cause yellow leaves?

Absolutely. Soggy soil suffocates roots, preventing them from taking up nutrients. Always check soil moisture before assuming it’s a deficiency and ensure your tree has excellent drainage.

Figuring out what do you feed citrus trees with yellow leaves is a process of observation and action. Start by looking closely at the leaves, consider a soil test, and then choose a targeted, nutrient-rich soil amendment. By understanding what your tree is asking for, you can provide the right food and enjoy a thriving, productive citrus tree for years to come. Remember, healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy tree, so regular care with compost and proper feeding is the best prevention.