Selling in 85018 and lucky enough to have citrus trees? A clean, healthy citrus yard can lift curb appeal fast, but it takes the right timing and a few local rules to do it safely. You want buyers focused on the lifestyle and not worried about fruit on the ground, thirsty trees, or pest questions. In this guide, you’ll get a simple, Phoenix‑specific plan to prune, water, feed, harvest, and dispose the right way, plus what to document for buyers. Let’s dive in.
Why citrus prep matters in 85018
Citrus shows beautifully in central Phoenix’s warm low‑desert climate. Many varieties ripen between late fall and spring, so your showing schedule may overlap peak harvest. If your trees are tidy and paths are clear, buyers notice care and maintenance. Use variety‑specific harvest windows to plan showings and picking so your yard feels clean and welcoming. You can find timing by variety in the University of Arizona’s guide to low desert citrus varieties.
Clean, safe, photo‑ready trees
Prune smart and on schedule
Plan major shaping in late winter through early spring and keep it light before photos. UA Extension recommends modest cuts that remove dead or crossing branches and avoiding heavy pruning that exposes large limbs. For details on timing and techniques, follow UA’s pruning guidance for citrus.
Refresh the ground and walkways
Pick up fallen fruit and keep it off paths. It can attract pests and create slip hazards. Add a thin, fresh mulch ring to cut weeds and finish the look. For open houses, harvest ripe fruit ahead of time so buyers see tidy trees, not cluttered branches.
Water and feed like a pro
Tune irrigation for deep watering
Buyers notice soggy patches, wilted leaves, and high‑water red flags. Citrus prefers deep, infrequent irrigation that wets the root zone. UA Extension outlines seasonal intervals and best practices in its guide to irrigating citrus trees. Fix leaks and check your controller before photos so everything runs clean and efficiently.
Fertilize at the right time
Most oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit in Phoenix are fed in split applications across the first half of the year. Timing and amounts depend on tree age and variety. Use a citrus‑formulated product and follow UA’s schedule in How do I fertilize my citrus trees?. Avoid heavy late‑season nitrogen that can push tender growth.
Stay compliant with citrus rules
Arizona actively manages the Asian citrus psyllid because it can spread citrus greening. That means you should be careful about how you move or dispose of citrus plant material. Review the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s page on the Asian citrus psyllid and citrus pests before any pruning or hauling. In early 2025, authorities confirmed citrus greening in Arizona monitoring samples, which raises the stakes for following rules on handling plant material. You can read a summary of that confirmation in this industry report on HLB detection in Arizona.
Do not move citrus trees, trimmings, or other plant parts off‑site without checking current AZDA guidance. If you suspect a pest like ACP or symptoms of HLB, report it per state instructions and keep records.
Disposal in Phoenix
For routine yard cleanup, the City of Phoenix green organics program accepts fruit and branches when properly prepared. Check length, diameter, and contamination rules in the City’s curbside green organics guidance. During any active pest concern, confirm AZDA requirements before moving citrus material off the property.
Disclosure that builds trust
Arizona sellers must disclose known material facts, including pest issues and treatments. Use the standard seller disclosure and include receipts or reports. For an overview of what must be disclosed, review this summary of Arizona home seller disclosure rules.
Two to six week prep timeline
6+ weeks before listing
- Walk the yard to flag dead or diseased branches, low limbs over walkways, irrigation leaks, and heavy fruit‑drop areas.
- If a tree is very close to hardscape or you suspect a plumbing conflict, schedule a certified arborist or plumber inspection and save the report.
- Repair irrigation leaks and adjust the controller to seasonal needs.
4 to 6 weeks before listing
- Pest check: look for scale, sooty mold, leafminer trails, or psyllid symptoms. UA Extension’s guide to diagnosing home citrus problems can help you recognize common issues.
- If you see anything suspicious, contact AZDA or a licensed professional for sampling or treatment and keep the receipts.
- Feed trees if your timing aligns with UA’s schedule.
2 to 3 weeks before listing
- Do light pruning to tidy the canopy and remove low obstructions. Avoid big cuts that expose large limbs right before the hot season.
- If your variety is in season, harvest ripe fruit and clear the ground daily to keep pests away and paths clean.
1 week before photos and showings
- Final tidy: rake, edge, refresh mulch lightly, check drip emitters, pick up any remaining fruit, and sweep paths.
- If you use a contractor, save invoices for buyer packets.
What to document for buyers
- Completed seller disclosure with pest and plant‑health answers.
- Any pest control or arborist invoices and reports.
- Irrigation service receipts and current controller settings.
- Notes on variety and typical harvest timing for each tree.
- If a tree was removed or hauled, any disposal documentation and permits.
Removal or inspections: when they make sense
Do not remove a mature tree just to “avoid questions” unless it is required or clearly failing. If you suspect root conflicts with hardscape or plumbing, book a plumber or certified arborist and share a short, written summary of findings. Clear documentation and a neat yard usually calm buyer concerns.
Ready to sell with citrus curb appeal
Staying on schedule, following AZ rules, and documenting care turns a citrus yard into a real selling point. If you want a tailored plan for your 85018 property, plus vendor coordination and market‑ready staging, reach out to The Bray Team. We will help you present a clean, compliant, and compelling yard that supports top‑of‑market outcomes.
FAQs
Do I have to disclose past citrus pests when selling in Arizona?
- Yes. You must disclose known material facts, including pest issues and treatments, and provide any related receipts or reports.
Can I share home‑grown citrus with buyers during 85018 showings?
- You can offer fruit locally on the day of a showing, but confirm current AZDA guidance before moving citrus off‑site or across state lines.
What should I do if I see Asian citrus psyllid or possible citrus greening on my trees?
- Report it per state instructions, avoid moving plant material, and follow the guidance you receive for sampling and disposal.
How should I water citrus before listing a Phoenix home?
- Aim for deep, infrequent watering that reaches the root zone, adjust the interval by season, and fix any leaks or controller issues buyers might notice.
When should I prune citrus before putting my 85018 home on the market?
- Time major pruning for late winter to early spring and keep pre‑listing cuts light, focusing on dead or crossing branches and walkway clearance.
