Citrus Fruit in our own Arizona backyard

Citrus Trees
in Lake Havasu City
Arizona (AZ)

The Novice Citrus Grower
Did you know our Arizona Citrus
trees have thorns?

By Bobbi Holmes

     When we purchased our current Havasu home, it came with its own citrus orchard.  Well, maybe not an orchard exactly. But, four citrus trees; orange, lemon, tangelo and pink grapefruit. During our first season the lemon and grapefruit were abundant, and I found myself eating a delicious grapefruit every day.  I wasn’t quite sure what to do with all those lemons, other than giving them to friends.  Yet, during the local citrus harvest time of year, there always seems to be someone giving away lemons in Havasu.

Time to Buy a Juicer 

       The abundant citrus harvest spurred us to purchase a juicer.  The tangelos were delicious that first year, but sparse.  As for the oranges, those we picked too early were pithy, and the ripe oranges were attacked while on the tree. 

Rats Love Citrus Fruit

       The culprits, rats.  Ekk! I didn’t actually see the creatures, but we were told that oranges that are hollowed out on the tree, were likely done so by rats.  So this year we called our favorite local pest company, and they put traps in the tree.  And sure enough, this year’s citrus harvest was enjoyed by two legged creatures. All signs of the rodents disappeared.

Poor Citrus Crop

       Unfortunately we weren’t so lucky with this year’s lemon harvest, which was non-existent.  It wasn’t attacked by rats, but by a zealous pruner.  Since we are obviously novice citrus growers, I thought it was about time I learned a little more about the care and nurturing of Havasu citrus.
For the information I discovered, which is applicable to the Havasu area, click here!.
            Wishing you a hearty orchard!