is my citrus tree going to die?

iluvmylab

Hard freeze in Houston this weekend (HOUSTON!?!?!).  We have this satsuma tree in our yard, it's probably at least as old as the house (10 years), we've lived here for two.  We had a really big crop this year, picked over 200.  I can't imagine life without it!  Do you think we should cover it?

SarahBethBR

I asked the same question a few posts down about my hibiscus.  Except I'm going BATON ROUGE?!?

I think covering it will help.  Unfortunately I do think we're going to lose some plants. This is craziness.

iluvmylab

SarahBethBR:

I asked the same question a few posts down about my hibiscus.  Except I'm going BATON ROUGE?!?

I think covering it will help.  Unfortunately I do think we're going to lose some plants. This is craziness.

This is craziness...and I have to coach in a soccer tournament Friday & Saturday.  LUCKY ME.

Amanda0406

I am in Shreveport and I agree that it is going to be super cold... What I am doing is "covering" the ground and roots with either hay/straw (like a big pile) or I am taking a trash bag and cutting it in half and wrapping it around the base of the trunk ... ( i dont know why, but it makes me feel good and like i am doing something)... hahaha

steen05

I live in Spring and have two lemon trees.  You should cover the base of the tree with blankets or beach towels.  If part of the top freezes it could still come back from the bottom part that is covered. 

j+k

Hibiscus are very sensitive to cold, so yes, I'd cover it if it gets into the 50's.  Check with your local nursery.

I have family in Florida who have citrus trees. You won't lose the tree, but you'll lose the foliage and fruit if it gets too cold.

But if you're getting temps below freezing in your area - and you have frost on your car in the mornings - you're probably too late to save the plants.  One good frost will zap them good and you will lose the more sensitive plants, or the plant/trees will lose their foliage and not come back until things start warming up.

If you cover your plants - cover with fabrics, not plastics.

 

juno

Some people here in NorCal will wrap their citrus in Christmas lights during our rare freezes.  They say it keeps them just warm enough.  I just throw a sheet over mine when I think about it.  I haven't lost my 2 citrus (lemon and orange), and we have a couple of nights below 32 every year.