Arcadia Citrus Care: Irrigation Tips for Historic Groves

Arcadia is famous for its lush, green landscape and historic citrus groves. But maintaining these beautiful trees requires a different approach than the typical desert xeriscape found elsewhere in Phoenix.

The Challenge of Flood Irrigation Conversion

Many Arcadia homes have transitioned from flood irrigation to sprinkler and drip systems. While convenient, this shift can stress mature trees if not done correctly. Citrus trees have wide, shallow root systems that extend far beyond the canopy.

Deep Watering is Key

Unlike grass, citrus trees need deep, infrequent watering. We recommend using a dedicated drip line with multiple emitters per tree, running for several hours every 10-14 days in summer. This encourages roots to grow down, anchoring the tree and making it more drought-resilient.

Watch for Salt Build-Up

Shallow watering leads to salt accumulation in the soil, which burns citrus leaves (look for brown, crispy tips). Deep watering flushes these salts away from the root zone.