Julian W. Sauls Commercial citrus production in Texas is mostly
limited to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Small plantings that
formerly existed near Beaumont, Orange, Houston, Beeville,
Falfurrias and Carrizo Springs have mostly disappeared because
of economics and recurring freezes. Nonetheless, many Texas
residents want citrus trees in the home landscape to enjoy their
dark, evergreen foliage, fragrant blossoms and colorful,
delicious fruit. Citrus trees growing outside the Valley are at
a distinct disadvantage with regard to climate, i.e., winter
almost always will be accompanied by one or more freezes. Citrus
trees are subtropical to tropical in nature; thus, they may
suffer severe damage or even death because of freezing
temperatures. However, several types of citrus have sufficient
cold-hardiness to sustain some freezing conditions, particularly
as mature trees. The resident of coastal and southern Texas who
is willing to put forth the effort to provide cold protection
for young trees, and sometimes even