Dig wide and plant slightly high, graft union above soil.
Citrus wants full sun, wind protection, and well-drained soil.
Water the root ball until roots enter native soil; mulch 6–12 in off the trunk.
Kit
- Healthy citrus on appropriate rootstock
- Shovel; hole about 2× root-ball width
- Mulch (keep 6–12 in off trunk)
- Drip or basin watering setup
- Optional diluted white latex for trunk sunburn protection
Do this
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Pick sun and air flow
Full sun with wind protection. Avoid planting in lawn.
UC IPM.
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Dig wide, plant slightly high
Hole about twice the root-ball width. Set the root ball about 1 inch above surrounding grade so it settles level — not in a bathtub.
UC IPM.
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Keep the graft above soil
Do not bury the graft/bud union. Remove suckers that sprout below it.
UC IPM.
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Water deep, then mulch
Water immediately. Keep the root ball moist (not soggy) until roots enter native soil — new trees may need several soaks a week in heat.
UC IPM.
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Skip lawn irrigation on the trunk
Use a basin or drip rings. Mature citrus may need several inches of water per month in summer heat, split by soil type.
UC IPM.
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