We have a Satsuma tree that is approximately 5yrs old. This year was first year that fruit the size of peas and slightly larger were on it. Today, all are gone! Is this normal or is the tree infected?

Answer #2 · Teri Booth's Answer · Good day John and thank you so much for responding! We live in SE Georgia and had a very early spring, then a frost. We have 2 Satsuma trees, one growing very quickly, the other not so much. I did put Epsom salt and 10-10-10 on them. The growth on the one tree that had lots of blooms and small fruit looks healthy to me; nice green. Don't see any thing on bottom of leaves, but some of them look like they have dust on the top. Don't know if that is from oak/pine tree pollen that "stuck" or if it's insects? There are a few leaves that are yellowish. And, today I see some more blooms...just a few.

Thank you so much for your time in assisting/guiding me. I appreciate you!)

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Teri-There are several reasons your Satsuma Mandarin has not held its fruit. Many times it will take 3 to 5 years before the tree is mature enought to produce fruit. Unusually cold winters or a dry spring can reduce the amount of flowers and fruit that the tree will produce. The problem I have had is my trees at times have received too much water. In this case my fruit has dropped off before developing. Any shock caused by a change in watering or fertilization can cause fruit not to develop. These trees do not like too much or too little water. More important is that they need a consistent watering schedule from flowering through fruit development. The soil needs to be moist consistantly without change. I have found my do much better when a little on the dry side more so than too wet. Have you fertilized the tree and if so when and what type of fertilizer? It is best to use a citrus food that is formulated specifically for citrus trees. If the tree is blooming when fertilized it is best to use only 1/2 the recommended strength. Too much fertilization can at times promote a lot of nice new growth at the expense of flowering and fruit production. If the tree is putting on nice new growth each year with nice leaf coloring it is most likely healthy and needs more time to start producing well. Inspect the leaves closely. If the leaves are discolored, yellowed, or spoted this may indicate a nutrent deficiency, too little, or two much water. Look closely on both sides especially on the underside of leaves for any signs of sap sucking insects. They may appear as very small spots on the leaves. If you believe you see a problem you can upload a close up picture of the leaf damage. Above this answer and to the right of your name below your question you will see where you can upload any picture you have saved on your computer. You can also dig down 6 to 8 inches in areas around the root ball and feel the soil. The soil should feel cool and moist but never too wet or dry.
Let me know what you find and please ask any other questions you may have.

John)