Why is it not a good idea to plant citrus in a lawn? I am having no luck. please advise. I have since read info that says not to do this.

First I have heard of this. I have many of my citrus and other trees planted on the lawn or along my driveway. Now I dont have any special grass or use special fertilizer ever on it but I dont see any ill effects from this. One of the major reasons I am growing trees is to have less grass to mow in the first place.

It is always recommended to remove the grass out to the drip line of a citrus tree. The grass strongly competes with the tree for nutrients and water. You do not say how old the trees is, so it is difficult to recommend the proper fertilization. Young citrus trees are fertilized 6 times a growing season, and older trees 3 times a season. 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 are common fertilizer formulas that are applied. You can get a small booklet titled "Florida Your Dooryard Citrus Guide" from the University of Florida IFAS Communication Services PO Box 110011, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0011 or by calling 353-392-2411. The booklet tells you everything required to grow a healthy citrus tree that will provide you and your family delicious fruit for years. . - Millet

I have quite a few trees planted out in the lawn. Haven't really seen any issues.

If you were referring to me Millet, I meant fertilizer on the lawn not on the trees. I care about my trees lol, I want the useless grass to go away. I make very large basins for the trees as well for this reason.

One thing I will say is that the citrus tree will shade out most of the sun & the grass below dies back for the most part.

I have never had grass (Bermuda, St. Augustine predominantly) kill a tree, but i have had it stunt the growth of new trees significantly. As was said, remove grass to the canopy line.

Wood chip mulch thickly over the area to suppress regrowth of the grass, cool the rootzone so roots can continue development when air temps go over 85F. Pull the grass that grows up as soon as seen. Takes about 2 years before the grass gives up, by then the shade of the canopy inhibits.

Wood chip breakdown will fertilize the rootzone over time.

Lastly water infrequently but deeply 3-4 feet deep each watering. Keep the soil moist but drained. Do not expect grass watering to keep your trees roots adequately watered, not even close, despite daily applications. Water deeply.