Why Do Lemon Trees Die? Main Causes Explained

You may notice that your lemon trees—which once looked healthy and vigorous—begin to decline suddenly within just a few days. Their leaves curl and fall, branches begin to die back, and the entire tree may weaken without an obvious reason. In this article, you’ll learn the most common causes behind the death of lemon trees and how to deal with them effectively.

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1. Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons lemon trees die. Excess moisture creates multiple problems, including:

• Attracting various pathogens that cause fungal and bacterial infections.
• Preventing roots from breathing properly due to waterlogged soil, leading to root suffocation and eventual plant death.

Common signs of overwatering include:
• Yellow leaves
• Water pooling or overly wet soil

How to fix it:

• Stop watering immediately.
• Allow the soil to dry out for a few days.
• Water less frequently than before.
• Make sure the soil is not overly wet and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

If fungal or bacterial infections appear—often visible as black or white spots on the leaves—you can treat them by spraying the tree with a fungicide or bactericide.

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2. Over-fertilization

Over-fertilizing is an easily recognizable cause of lemon tree decline. Symptoms usually appear just a few days after applying fertilizer:

• Leaf edges turn brown or look “burned.”
• The tree pushes excess fertilizer toward leaf tips in an attempt to protect itself.

How to fix it:

• Run a hose at the base of the tree for several hours to flush out excess fertilizer from the soil.
• Allow the soil to dry for a few days afterward to avoid fungal or bacterial growth.
• After flushing, the tree should begin to recover; if it doesn’t, repeat the process once more.

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3. Root Rot

If the tree’s roots sit in constantly saturated soil, they begin to rot. This prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients and moisture properly, leading to:

• Yellowing leaves
• Wilting
• Gradual death of the tree

Lemon trees require well-drained soil to stay healthy. Avoid planting in areas where water tends to pool. Improving drainage with 25% compost—especially in clay soils—helps reduce moisture retention and protects root health.

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4. Poor Environmental Conditions

Several signs indicate that your lemon tree is growing in an unsuitable environment:

• Pale or dull leaves
• Weak branches
• Premature fruit production
• Slow or stunted growth

How to improve growing conditions:

• Water moderately and consistently.
• Move the tree to a raised area or grow it in raised beds to improve drainage.
• Plant the tree in loose, loamy soil to help citrus roots spread easily.
• Ensure the tree receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• If grown in a container, add more drainage holes or repot the tree into fresh soil.

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