[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[lynnblair at aol.com]

Lynn
85375
lynnblair at aol.com

After having a mature grapefruit tree and a mature tangelo tree were thinned about one year ago, the trees have not produced fruit or if they have produced fruit, the fruit is small and hard (does not mature).  Prior to thinning, both trees produced mass quantities of large, juicy fruit twice per year.  The trees were thinned by a local landscaper in Sun City West approximately fifteen months ago.  Prior to thinning the trees would produce new leaves throughout the year. The trees were thinned because the branches and leaves were so thick, it was hard to pick the fruit.  Since the thinning the trees have not produced any new leaves and very, very few fruit blossoms.  I fertilize the trees with an over-the-counter citrus fertilizer as recommended on the box.  I water the trees for 15 minutes three times per week using a sprinkler system on a timer.  I know the extremely hot summer last year streesed many plants in the Sun City West area, but I expected the trees so show signs of bouncing back over the winter, which they have not.  I am looking for suggestions and/or guidance from anyone who may be able to help.  Thank you, Lynn