--
Many tree problems are associated with the following:

Troubles in the Rhizosphere
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/RHIZO.html

Unhealthy Trees from the Nursery / Improper Planting
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman/sub1.html and
Look up "Tree Planting"
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/RHIZO.html

Improper Mulching - http://home.ccil.org/~treeman/sub3.html and
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/M/index.html Look up "Mulch"

Improper Pruning
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/tree_pruning/

Improper Fertilization (See A Touch of Chemistry)
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/CHEM.html

Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Arborist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.

wrote in message
ups.com...
Hello everyone,

I have an old orange tree in northern Florida, about 20 year old I
guess, that has been doing badly since last summer. The problem is
that the tree is experiencing lots of leaf drop. The leaves become
yellow before they drop. I see no obvious signs of pests, such as
discoloration. The tree is trying to put out new shoots, but those
leaves yellow and fall before too long. The extremities of many of
the longer branches are now dead, and I fear that the whole tree is
dying.

The tree is mulched with pine needles, as it has been for years. A
few years ago, the tree was very robust, with lots of growth and a
bumper crop of fruit. I believe a former neighbor applied
fertilizer. The tree still has some fruit, but no blooms this spring.

It has been dry this spring, and I have been watering about 1 - 2
times per week. The tree handled dry spells before without any
problems.

Does anyone have any ideas? I would hate to lose this tree.

Thanks,