I planted several orange trees three years ago. I did not water them much the first two years. They did not grow very much. This year, I got serious and started watering 2-3 times per week and fertilizing every 3 months with citrus fertilizer or miracle grow for citrus. Still very little growth, and some trees have actually died. The leaves are deeper green however. After three years three of the trees are still less than 2 feet tall. What am I doing wrong ?
I used miracle grow planting soil - Other forum members say this is a no no.
I may have planted them too low in the ground - Some say the trees cannot
breath.
I plan to dig up the three trees that are less than 2 feet tall. Then I will do some minor pruning of the tips of the roots and re-plant, in soil for citrus or cactus, 3 inches above ground level and build a mound up to the base of the trunk.

How often then should I water?
One forum member mentioned a moisture reading stick. Is there such a thing? and what should indicate watering is needed?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

It sounds like your trees have probably been sitting in wet soil. Hopefully, you will not have any root rot. I think once you replant them in soil that drains well (I recommend palm & cactus mix), you should have better luck.

As far as the moisture tester, I have to say that mine has been the best gardening tool I have ever purchased. I have attached a photo so you can see what one looks like. I got mine at Ace Hardware for $5.99, but I'm sure Home Depot or Lowe's will have them as well in their gardening area. You just stick it in the soil and it measures the moisture in your soil. For potted citrus, you want to water when the soil is dry at about 2 inches deep. For citrus trees in the ground, you want to water when the tester shows dry down to 5 or 6 inches.

As for your lack of growth, buy a fertilizer with mycorrhizae fungi in it (check out wikipedia's definition of "mycorrhiza" - it's pretty informative). They are beneficial fungus that help increase the growth rate by colonizing the roots. You will most likely need to go to a nursery and ask for this. I have only had my dwarf trees planted for 4 months, but they have grown 2-3 inches so far, which I think is pretty good since usually trees get stressed after they are planted for a few months.

Also, I recommend using a root stimulator when you replant your trees. Lowe's carries a good one by Greenlight. You mix 3 1/2 tablespons per gallon of water. Soak the roots good in it before you replant them.

I hope this helps! I am definitely not an expert, but I have discovered a really knowledgeable lady at my local nursery, so I usually trust what she says.

Good luck to you and your trees!!!

Thank you very much for all the wonderful Info. I have already purchased a moisture meter, but it did not come with detailed instructions and your input really helps. I am off to the nursery to get the fertilizer and root stimulator.

Thanks again.

No problem. I wish you much success with your trees! Keep us all posted on your progress!

I also want to add that I am still playing around with my moisture tester. I have noticed that one of my trees (that gets the most sun), seemed a little wilty with the moisture level down to 5-6 inches, so I am now watering it when it shows dry at 3-4 inches instead. I'm thinking that maybe the 5-6 inches refers to older trees. My trees are under 2 years old, so that could be why. So just make sure you see how yours look at that level and play around with the moisture level until you get the ideal level and then stick with that.