Take These Steps When Caring for Citrus Trees Smacked by the Cold
January 21, 2023 A recent cold snap sent sub-freezing temperatures down into citrus growing areas of Florida. Trees were stressed by frost and freeze damage. All is not lost when a severe frost hits. Mongi Zekri, a Multi-County Citrus Agent with the University of Florida, says there are actions growers should and shouldn’t take when caring for freeze-damaged citrus trees.
In a recent notification to local stakeholders, Zekri provided the following counsel:
Following severe freezes, mature fruit should be harvested as soon as possible to minimize losses due to excessive fruit drop and reduction in juice content. If twigs and wood have not been damaged severely, the leaves will rapidly shed. If twigs or wood have been seriously damaged, the frozen leaves may remain attached on the tree for several weeks.
After a severe freeze, twig dieback can continue for a couple of years. The true extent of freeze damage to branches may not be clear within the first three months following a freeze. No attempt should be made to prune or even assess damage from freezes until at least the new spring flushes get fully expended and mature.
Care of Freeze-Damaged Citrus Trees
1. Pruning Freeze-Damaged Wood
No pruning should be done until late in the spring or the summer after a freeze. In early spring, freeze-damaged trees often produce new growth that soon dies back. Sufficient time should be given for the dying back to cease and for the new healthy growth to take place and fully expand.
2. Irrigation & Fertilization
When leaves are lost, evaporation from the tree canopy is greatly reduced. Therefore, the amount of water required should be reduced. Over irrigation will not result in rapid recovery, but may cause root damage. Normal irrigation should be practiced when trees regain their normal foliage development and canopy density. Fertilization of freeze-damaged trees should also be reduced until the trees are back to their original size and their canopy is back to the original density.
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