Why do my lemons fall off black?

Answer by  Jerich01 (111)

You most likely have sooty mold, a fungus. You may be looking at an outward sign of an ant infestation. Check around the base and branches of your tree for excessive ant infestation. To cure this you can use a commercial copper based fungicide or if you desire a more "organic" approach, wipe the leaves with olive oil.

Answer by  sean52 (86)

It's a possibility that your tree has an ant infestation. Another possibility is a fungus known as a sooty mold. To take care of the ants if that's your problem you need to buy some commercial copper based fungicide. There are other methods to help with the ants, but this is the most common way I know of.

Answer by  Christian9247 (5042)

There are two possible reasons for this. One is your climate, it's possible you live somewhere in the world that doesn't support a lemon tree. The second is the tree could have a mold spore somewhere on or in it that is contaminating your fruit. Check around the base of the tree or the branches for any fungus.

Answer by  shiny807 (99)

If you are not pouring water well to that tree means it cant ripe... I think it could be the major reason for your lemons fall off black....

Answer by  lilian (397)

Pick them when they're bright yellow. Color, weight, and age determine the readiness of the fruit. If the skin starts to wrinkle, it's on the tree too long.

Answer by  leah87 (5)

Your lemons never ripen on the tree because you live in a climate that does not promote lemon- growing. You need to move somewhere sunny rather than your current town where the sun never shines.

Answer by  salamander (408)

they ripen on the tree, and the rot on the tree.. they dont just fall off when they are ripe, you need to pick them when they are ready.

Answer by  timerunning (805)

99% of the fruit will fall off as the tree is not able to sustain it. If the tree were to keep all of the fruit it tries to produce it would put the tree under much stress it would suffer.

Answer by  Bobinski (1652)

Lemon trees have very short roots therefore they need more water than most fruit trees. Don't over water them though. They also might be infested with ants. Check at the base of the tree and see if you see ants, if you do get some commercial copper based fungicide. Sooty mold which is a fungus could also be the problem.