COMMON CITRUS PROBLEMS

APHIDS: Aphids are tiny little bugs about the size of a gnat. They attack the new growth of the tree causing it to curl up. They multiply at amazing speed but will not harm the tree only causing cosmetic damage to the new growth. Control by mixing 1 Oz. of dish soap to 1-1/2 gallons of water and spraying the infected ares.

SOOTY MOLD: Sooty mold is the black film that covers the leafs of trees. When you see Sooty Mold on your trees you can be assured that you have a scale problem. Sooty Mold is the by product of the scale eating the sap from your eating the sap from your tree. Control by spraying Volk oil on your tree be very careful that you do not spray oil when the temperature is above 85 degrees. Spray either in the mornings or evening hours to avoid this.

SCALES: There are two main scales that effect citrus trees. The Caribbean hard scale looks like a small brown dot attached to the tree trunk or branch. Soft scale is green in color and is found on green branches, leafs and some times the fruit. Scale is a serious problem for your tree and must be controlled. Scale will literally suck the life from your tree. Control by spraying with Malithion and a oil spray.

FOOT ROT: Foot Rot is the biggest killer of citrus trees mainly older mature trees are effected. Foot Rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora. Phytophthora is found in almost all soils in Florida. It can travel from one tree to another through standing water. Phytophthora enters the tree through lesions in the trunk. Usually caused by something striking the trunk of the tree causing the wound. What happens is either rain or irrigation splashes dirt on the trunk and the fungus is in. Once in the tree the bark starts to peel off. If it is not detected in time your tree is doomed. In most older trees the foot rot will go undetected; due to the fact that the branches have grown down to the ground, and you can not see the trunk of the tree, until the tree sheds all of its leaves and dies. PREVENTION: KEEP GRASS AWAY FROM TRUNK AREA SO NO ONE WILL HIT THE TRUNK OF THE TREE. PAINT THE TRUNK OF THE TREE WITH POWDER NEUTRAL COOPER TWICE A YEAR. USE 1/2 POUND TO A GALLON OF WATER.

These are a few of our most asked questions. Remember a healthy tree will withstand almost anything. But a tree in stress will develop more problems than you can handle.

If you will follow our fertilization and spray schedule your tree should never develop any serious problems. But if it does develop problems help is just a phone call away, or feel free to post your questions on our Message Board