lime-lemon trees very bad due to freezing weather

Gate 13

Hi
I know you will ask for pictures...I don't have though...sorry..I have a general quick question: the temperature in Houston reached 23 F two nights last week and two nights this week. I covered both trees with sheets, but the trees look very bad...the leaves look like burnt (if you barely touch them they fall and get shattered (look like chips!!!) but the branches though are still green and look healthy. should I prune the tree a lot and/or take all the leaves down?
Are my lemon and lime tree dead? can't they survive a very low temperature although I covered them w/ sheets?
Do they need fertilize to get help grow again and survive?
Please advise

Eric Frei

Do nothing.

Wait and see.

Trees have been here longer than humans and have their own ways of dealing with things, besides it's too early to tell yet.

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Gate 13

Thanks a lot my friend...I' ll do

Bowani Siam

Eric is right, don't do anything or touch the damaged leaves as they will be protecting the leaves underneath.

In prep for future frost, give the trees a good water before you cover them. Sheets aren't bad to use as a frost cover but fabrics hold moisture and if the sheet is in contact with the foliage the moisture will freeze and burn the foliage anyway. If you construct a little frame to stop direct contact with the leaves it is more effective. I have seen some interesting brushwood 'houses' and 'teepees' over fruit trees which work well.

Good luck dude!

Gate 13

Thanks guys.
I appreciate your tips