How Long Does a Lemon Tree Last?

Climate

• Citrus trees are grown in subtropical and tropical climates around the world. However, the best quality fruit is produced in subtropical climates. Lemon trees are second only to limes in terms of vulnerability to cold weather. Ideal daytime temperatures for fruit growth are between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's the low temperatures that commonly limit the plant's growing range. Any flowers or lemons present on trees will be damaged when temperatures reach 31 F or lower. Trees will begin to lose leaves when temperatures hit 24 F and serious wood damage will occur at 20 F.

Growing Conditions

• Lemon trees require full sun for consistent fruit production. Avoid placing them within 25 feet of other trees, buildings or other tall, shade-producing structures. Lemon trees will thrive in a variety of well-drained soils, but they prefer deep soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. They're also fairly sensitive to high levels of boron, sodium chloride and sodium carbonate. Carefully manage irrigation. Lemons respond well to irrigation while flowering, but wetting their foliage, flowers and fruit will encourage disease infestation.

Fruit Production

• Harvest times for lemons range from four to 12 months after flowering, depending on cultivar, climate and growing conditions. Lemon trees will yield about 40 lbs. of fruit per tree during the first couple years of production. By the fourth of fifth year this amount will more than double to about 100 lbs. of fruit annually per tree. Fruit production will stabilize in the eighth year. Expect a full grown, mature tree to produce about 100 to 200 lbs. of fruit in a year.

Growth Rate

• The amount of annual lemon tree growth depends largely on rootstock, climate, care, soil and tree spacing. Regardless of these factors, expect fairly minimal growth the first year after planting. Lemon trees should increase greatly in height and diameter over the following four years. Trunk diameters can expand 0.8 to 5 inches per year, while roots may extend as much as 0.2 inches per day. During this period, trees may grow vertically as much as 10 inches per year. This growth generally slows to 4 inches or less per year following maturity. Typically, trees are considered full size at 10 to 14 years old.