Lemon Tree Protection (green lemons!! lol)

[Awildcatz]

Hi all, just a few things... Living in Arizona BTW

We have a relatively young Lemon tree (little over a year and has lemons).
1. We have not painted the base of the tree yet (when does one normally do this? or is it needed at all)

2. The lemons are primarily green (after an extended period of time) does this change with the maturity of the tree? or is this a nutrient/watering issue? and yes I'm sure it is not a lime tree!! lol

Thanks for any help!! (sorry just a Lemon tree Newbie here lol)

[Newt]

Hi Awildcatz,

Welcome to the Helpful Gardener.

1. We have not painted the base of the tree yet (when does one normally do this? or is it needed at all)

It's not needed.

2. The lemons are primarily green (after an extended period of time) does this change with the maturity of the tree? or is this a nutrient/watering issue?

You don't say which variety of lemon you have, but some take longer then others to ripen. You can wait until they start to turn yellow and pick them then. The longer you let them stay on the tree the sweeter they get. Your tree is very young as well, so it might drop the fruit before it ripens, so don't get discouraged.

You should find this helpful about growing lemons.
https://casfs.ucsc.edu/publications/gardenideas/citrus.html
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homefruit/citrus/citrus.html#diagnosis

If you know your variety you can click on the name here. If not, the descriptions should be helpful. Most of the lemons grown in Arizona are Lisbon, Eureka and Ponderosa.
https://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/lemons.html#lisbon

Newt

[Awildcatz]

Thank you very much!! I appreciate the advice

[Newt]

You are very welcome!

Newt