Beginner Gardening: Need advice on possibly diseased orange trees, 0 by sandi32

sandi32 wrote:
I am desperately seeking answers and possible solutions to a problem I am having and would greatly appreciate any help in the matter. I started a backyard landscaping project and know exactly what I want to do with my backyard to make it look better. My problem is two citrus (orange) trees. I have been trimming the citrus trees only to discover that they may be diseased. The oranges get brown and die before they are ripe enough to eat and a lot of the leaves are brown and have dried up and fallen off, leaving large areas with bare branches. Also, about three-fourths of both trees have this black, oily substance all over the leaves, fruit and branches and what looks like spider webs on the leaves and branches. I have been trying to prune the areas that seem to be affected but it is a never ending battle. I am wondering if anyone knows what could be wrong with the trees and if there is a solution to the problem. I would have the trees removed but it is a rental and there is only so much I can do. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you all may have.