Toni, the tree is in the ground, it's a navel orange.

Soil moisture problems also can cause fruit to drop before it’s ripe.

Dry or waterlogged soils also can cause fruit to fall prematurely. Make sure the plant receives sufficient water, and mulch the soil to keep surface roots moist. Oct 11, Oranges can fall off of the tree prematurely for a number of reasons, including moisture issues, temperature changes, and fertilizer needs.

We did not get any fruit last year at all, this is starting the 3rd year in the ground.

However, they may just be ripe or just near. This page has some useful information if you are growing oranges. And George, if you left your previous crop on the tree too long, when your mandarin began blooming, again, you can force your tree into an alternate bearing cycle, so pick your fruit when it's ripe. this may be the cause of your fruit drop. Apr 03, Oarnges fall off the tree early so they can ripen without the tree.

Sometimes if you plant your trees to early in the season, they will produce right before winter which makes almost all of the oarnges fall off the tree.

If fruit drop is excessive, it can signal that the tree is suffering from too much or a lack of water, or the soil it is growing in lacks certain nutrients.

Dec 10, Pests may cause your citrus trees to lose their fruit. Mites and thrips are known pest causes of losing fruit. Insecticides may be needed, depending on the type of.