Expert: nick mccann - 1/14/2009

Question
I read with interest your exchange with Sherry. I live in Southern California and have two stunted trees, a Meyers and a Sweet Lime(I think it's a Palestine lime). Both are in the ground and at least 4-5 years old yet only 2ft. tall. Would potting these trees be a worthwhile effort? Our neighborhood trees seem to flourish in the ground.
Thank You.

Answer
Hi Mike, actually Citrus does much better in the ground then in a container; a container is usually only recommended when the climate zone is too cold for in ground planting. I would recommend you move your trees to another location, this often is all that is needed to stimulate new growth from a stagnant plant or tree in this case. Make certain that you lift the root ball entirely and try to disturb the tender secondary roots as little as possible. Nick