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This time of year citrus is everywhere in south Louisiana, as lemons and satsumas come in in abundance.
Down here, they're fairly easy to grow but a few little things can help make all the difference and help bolster the harvest.
The first of which is pruning, in January and February prune back the tree, you want to make sure that it is airy and not overcrowded.
Pruning can inspire some new growth if it's warm enough so if done now it could lead to new growth that would be vulnerable to a freeze.
When pruning make sure you cut the branch flush with the trunk, preventing any small appendages and opening up the tree to rot.
If you have leaves that are curled and chewed through this is likely damage caused by Leaf Miner, small pests that lay their eggs inside the leaf.
They won't damage the tree but they can be unsightly so spraying with some horticultural oil is a good way to prevent them without having to use any harsh chemicals.
Butterflies and native bees won't be deterred by the oil, and those are the kinds of insects you'd love to have floating around your tree.
Growing citrus really is simple, and it's even easier to take that tree to the next step.
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