How to Protect Citrus Trees from Freezing in Mild Winter Climates

By: Angela Judd | November 6, 2024

Don’t let freezing temperatures harm your citrus trees. Frost can cause severe damage, especially to young trees and certain sensitive varieties. In this blog post, we’ll explore which citrus trees are most susceptible to freezing, how to protect them during a freeze, and tips for choosing the best location in your yard to minimize cold damage.

Understanding Frost Sensitivity in Citrus Trees

Not all citrus trees are created equal when it comes to cold tolerance. Some varieties can withstand lower temperatures, while others are highly sensitive and require extra care.

Most Cold-Hardy Citrus Trees:

Kumquat and Mandarin trees are the champions of cold tolerance among citrus, enduring temperatures as low as 18°F to 20°F (-7.7°C to -6.6°C).

Moderately Cold-Hardy Citrus Trees:

Grapefruit and Orange trees can tolerate temperatures down to the mid-20s°F (-3.8°C).

Least Cold-Hardy Citrus Trees:

Lemon and lime trees, especially, are highly frost-sensitive, often suffering damage at 32°F (0°C). They typically do not go into dormancy, making them more vulnerable to frost. Learn which other plants are sensitive to frost in this guide.

Lime tree covered during freezing temperatures

5 Tips for Protecting Your Citrus Trees During Freezing Temperatures

1. Monitor Temperatures Closely

Critical Threshold: Fruit damage may occur after several hours below 27°F (-2.7°C).
Action: If a significant drop is forecasted, take preventive measures like watering the soil (moist soil retains heat better) and covering the trees.

2. Cover Citrus in Containers and Young or Newly-Planted Trees

Why: Citrus in containers and newly planted or young citrus trees are more susceptible to frost damage.
How: Use frost cloth, drop cloths, or burlap to cover the entire tree, extending all the way to the ground to trap heat from the soil. Learn more about how to protect plants from frost in this guide.
Duration: Keep them covered during freezing nights for 3-5 years after planting. Once plants are larger and more established, they can better withstand freezing temperatures.

3. Use Proper Plant Placement

Warmest Spots: Plant citrus trees in the warmest areas of your yard, such as south-facing spots that receive maximum sunlight.
Avoid Cold Pockets: Stay away from low-lying areas where cold air settles.
Windbreaks: Utilize fences or hedges to protect trees from cold winds.

4. Take Container Grown Citrus Indoors in Cold Winter Areas

Why: If you live in an area that experiences freezes often, growing citrus in containers allows you to move them indoors or to a sheltered location like a greenhouse during the winter.
Tips: Use large pots with good drainage and choose dwarf varieties suited for container growth.

5. Wait to Prune

Timing: Avoid fall pruning and wait until after the danger of frost has passed in the spring to prune any frost-damaged limbs and branches.
Why: Pruning in the fall stimulates new growth vulnerable to frosts. Frost-damaged sections are protecting the rest of the tree from further damage. Removing them exposes new areas to damage if there are additional freezing temperatures.

Keeping your citrus trees alive during the coldest months requires a bit of vigilance and care, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Frost is temporary, but the joy of harvesting your citrus can last for years. Stay attentive to weather forecasts, have your protective materials ready, and your citrus trees will thank you with bountiful harvests season after season.