Sick Key Lime Tree

I have a key lime tree that has produced reliably for the last 2 years. I bring all of my citrus trees in during the winter and did the same this year.

The Key Lime started dropping it's leaves at an alarming rate. I put it outside as soon as the weather allowed but it continued dropping leaves until all were gone.

The limbs are still green and are strong. Is there anything I can do to bring this tree back?

Thanks
BB

That happened to mine when it got too cold one year. It all grew back eventually. They are pretty cold sensative compared to my other citrus.

Thanks

How are your trees doing?

BB

Citrus need to gradually harden off to cold temps. If it was kept artificially warm then suddenly exposed to cold, it would defoliate at a higher temp. The key lime is very cold sensitive. Check for tip burn and die back.
Too much water could also cause this.
Oldude.

Ahhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I did go overboard on the watering as the leaves began to drop.

Live and learn

BB

BB
What I was referring to is root rot from constant water to the roots. If your container drains well then it is likely that this is not the cause of the leaf drop.
Oldude

Oh Ok

Pot does drain well

BB

I gave mine away to a neighbor who would take it inside in the winter. It really produced a lot of fruit when I did have it.

lee

I'm thinking water may have done it. Do you bring the tree in your house or a garage?

Into the house.

BB

BB
Since you keep your citrus inside there is one other cause for leaf drop. Citrus need a minimum of 6 hours of light and a sudden change in light can also cause problems.
Here’s a link http://www.fourwindsgrowers.com/solver/drop.html
Oldude

Thanks Olddude:

I am working on getting it to come back

That explains something. I threw a sheet over one of my citrus last year and left it for a few cold days. It lost a good amount of leaves I wonder if it was more from the lack of light then the cold? Winter time around the shortest days of the year so I think I'll stay away from covering them any more. The're all cold hardy but I was worried because a couple of the trees were small and not very thick.

Core
I use Frost blankets (row covers) and you can leave them on for a period of time. They advertise that the construction of the fabric allows enough sunlight through.
I buy them from Lowe’s and they do protect from frost damage. I have kept my Meyer lemon covered for 2 weeks with no damage.
Oldude

My little tree did the same thing last winter because I forgot to bring it inside in time. Even the ends of the branches looked brown like they were dying. I trimmed it back but the browning continued so I thought for sure my tree was a goner. However, this spring it bounced back surprisingly and now it has a healthy amount of leaves. No fruit or flowers though.