Types

• Lime trees need a rich and healthy soil in which to grow. Fertilizer provides nutrients that may not be otherwise available in the soil. Test the soil each year to find out what amounts of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus are in the soil, as these are the three most important nutrients. Choose a fertilizer that creates an even balance of nutrients. Fertilizers designed for citrus trees are often available at garden centers or online stores.
  
  

Time Frame

• Too much fertilizer can damage the lime tree. Fertilize lime trees in early spring around three weeks after signs of growth begin, and throughout the remainder of the growing season. Add fertilizer to the soil about once a month, or slightly more often if the tree shows signs of needing care. Yellowing and drooping leaves are often signs that a lime tree needs fertilizer. Younger trees need smaller amounts of fertilizer than older ones.
  
  

Benefits

• Fertilizer offers a number of benefits to lime trees and the soil around it. Add nutrients to the soil in the form of chemical or organic fertilizers to promote the growth of the tree and keep it healthier. A healthy tree is better able to resist pest damage, diseases and fungi. Fertilizer and regular watering of a lime tree are easy ways to keep a lime tree productive and healthy.
  
  

Function

• Apply fertilizer around the base of the tree without putting it onto the trunk. Fertilizer left on the trunk allows the growth of fungi that are harmful to the lime tree. Spread the fertilizer on the ground around the tree so that it covers the ground above the roots. Follow all directions on the fertilizer packaging to use the appropriate amount for the tree. Once the fertilizer has been applied, water the tree thoroughly.
  
  

Considerations

• Fertilizer is a temporary fix for nutrient-deficient soil. Adding fertilizer to the soil can help make a tree healthier, but it cannot create a better quality soil. Add plants like peas that help fix nutrients in the soil to the area around the lime tree. These plants can be placed in the soil around the base of the tree to improve the soil quality over time. Using composted plants as a fertilizer is also an effective substitute for chemical fertilizer.