Planting citrus trees advice please

Hi guys/girls

I wonder if I can get some advice as I lost the last couple of citrus trees I planted.

I've just purchased a lemon and a mandarin tree. The last couple I planted in lost and my neighbour said it was probably because I planted them level with the ground and we are in a wetland area he said citrus trees need to be raised which makes sense. Anyway I've now made a couple of raised beds for these trees and filled them with homemade green manure compost. I've also got some mycorrhizal fungi that someone recommended adding to the planting hole.

I have some pine needles iso it worth adding some to the compost?

Any info is much appreciated as I don't want to keep loosing trees

Thanks in advance

Hi Sam! I think almost any organic matter is worth adding to your compost pile! I think mixing greens and browns would help the compost to go well. Source: Food Revolution Network

Yeah they absolutely do not like sogginess around the roots!  Anywhere where water pools and stands around after a rain, even for an hour or two, or if your native soil is clayey, the policy of planting on a mound or otherwise raised situation is always good.  This goes for most fruit trees actually, though some are more sensitive than others.