How to Care for a Ponkan Tree in Florida

Water the newly planted ponkan tree when the soil feels dry to the touch 3 inches below the surface. Water every week to two weeks, depending on rainfall in your area of Florida, when the tree becomes established. Mature trees require enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 3 feet every two to six weeks if it doesn’t rain. Apply the water 6 inches away from the trunk to a distance equal to 1.5 times the diameter of the canopy.

Fertilize the first year ponkan tree with 1 cup of ammonium sulfate split into three applications -- February, April and September. Apply 2 cups of the fertilizer in the tree’s second year and 3 cups in the third year. In subsequent years, give the ponkan tree 1 cup of ammonium sulfate per year of its age. Sprinkle the granules on the soil, from 4 inches away from the trunk to its drip line. Water to a depth of 6 inches after fertilizing.

Use pruning shears to remove small branches that are growing too low on the ponkan tree, growing straight up or crossing over others. Use a pruning saw on larger branches. The best time to prune the tree is in early spring.