We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Oh yeah... and citruses look awesome! It is not necessary to prune citrus to produce fruit. A lot of old trees suffer from problems, such as biennial bearing, cankers, powdery mildew, and scabs. Pruning is one of the important tasks to perform on young citrus trees to train them into the desired growth pattern. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. The last cut to remove the branch stub should be made flush with the collar. Citrus Tree Pruning Principles and Practices1 D.P.H. So, this is a method for the patient. Sanitation - removing twigs and dead stems will encourage healthy new growth. If the bottom of the canopy is low, hanging down, or starting to show signs of disease, then it should be removed. Generally, citrus trees only require pruning to remove crowded branches and gently shape the tree. The best time to prune your citrus trees is February through April. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Keywords: citrus ; pruning If fruit isn't growing inside the tree, then pruning so that more light and air can get through the canopy may be necessary, but generally this is only in cases where the trees are extremely dense. Pruning Citrus. Go slowly when trimming, so that you’ll avoid cutting your fingers or hands. If you're planning to plant a citrus tree or you've already got one in your yard, you should know the proper pruning technique. If your tree suffers from disease or damage, add another pruning session in. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,483 times. At least once a year, perform a close inspection of your tree. When pruning a large branch, there should be three cuts made, to ensure a clean cut that will quickly heal. AZ1455. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. In hedgerow plantings, remove a whole scaffold limb on opposite sides of alternate trees. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. reduces yield in proportion to the amount of foliage removed and can delay fruiting of young, nonbearing trees. Because pruning should be minimal doesn't mean you can get away with no pruning at all. Citrus pruning. I was satisfied.". To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. In hedgerow plantings, remove a whole scaffold limb on opposite sides of alternate trees. Do you have a mature lemon tree that's really slowing down? When you're pruning citrus trees, look for limbs that crisscross and remove them. View our Privacy Policy here. Try not to trim down more than 20% of your tree at any given time. It’s always important to gear up. The first cut should be made 10 to 12 inches out from where your final cut will be made. If fruit isn't growing inside the tree, then pruning so that more light and air can get through the canopy may be necessary, but generally this is only in cases where the trees are extremely dense. Pruning is the answer. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Pruning after May can open up the canopy and expose branches to harsh sunlight. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. However in frost prone areas avoid pruning in winter because this will push soft new growth that hasn’t had time to harden off, and it will be damaged by frost. To help the paint adhere, scrub the bark with a water and soap mixture prior to painting. You may freely link Gardeners also call these types of branches “leggy.” If your tree has “legs,” then it has long branches in need of trimming. This initial pruning helps bring into balance the tops of the plants and the root system. Pruning citrus trees is a different process than pruning other fruit trees for two main reasons. If you don't want a branch to grow back, prune it flush with the collar and not the trunk. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-tree-pruning.htm The worst reason, or way, to prune a citrus tree that I’ve encountered is opening up the tree’s canopy so the interior gets sunlight. Spray neem or a similar oil for the insects, and the new growth should be unaffected. This article has been viewed 40,483 times. Six figures are included. Pruning young citrus trees is … From November to January, avoid removing even sprouts, which can cause re-growth of the sprout only to have it become damaged from cold weather, which could affect the health of the tree. ... Having a lime or citrus tree can allow you to make a great variety of refreshing drinks and deserts if you take care of it, ... Part of keeping it healthy and thriving is learning how to prune a lime tree the right way. Prune at least once a year. Cut halfway through the branch. If plants become leggy, they can be pruned back by up to two-thirds at this time. Publication contains an introduction to the rationale for pruning as well as sections on when to prune, what part of the tree to prune, techniques for best pruning, and how to protect the tree following pruning. All information is provided "AS IS." Also, you can keep it to the size that you desire. Copyright© wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. There are several reasons why you may want to prune a citrus tree. You’ll get your best produce from horizontal branches. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. If you need to, spread the pruning out over 2 to 3 years. Trim your branches high enough off the ground, so that the leaves will not get wet from water splashes from rain or water sprinklers. Pruning Citrus Trees After planting and before growth starts in the spring, citrus trees should be pruned. All rights reserved. Very old (over 25 to 30 years), weak or disease affected trees may be cut back to induce further fruiting. The lemon tree (Citrus Limon) is a fruit tree whose appearance has led it to position itself among the most desired trees in gardens around the world. First, the wood in citrus trees is stronger than many other fruit trees and less likely to break under a heavy load, alleviating the need for heavy pruning. Pruning is important for your citrus tree to have an aesthetic shape. Pruning for Canopy Bearing Surface of Citrus Trees. Any limb that looks as if it's ailing should be removed to keep any potential problems from spreading. Tucker, T.A. We welcome your comments and Tino is in the patch pruning some citrus. Weak limbs should be carefully removed as well. The best time to prune your citrus is after fruiting in spring. prevent crowding of main scaffold branches and to remove branches which cross. You can prune the tree quite severely, perhaps to a height of about 1.5m high (i.e. This article has been viewed 40,483 times. suggestions. This allows access for pickers into the inside of the tree. Citrus require only minimal pruning to keep them under control and looking good. That said, lemon trees should still be pruned on occasion. Pruning Old Citrus Trees. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. allow light penetration into the canopy. If you see a number of tiny holes on a gall, the wasps have already come out of the stem. They also may need judicious pruning of dead branches. Pruning, aside from sprout removal, is discouraged after May. It is a small perennial tree, it does not usually exceed 4 meters high, belonging to the family of rutinaceae and genus citrus, is little resistant to cold due to its tropical character and its permanent flowering. And mark your pruning dates on your ad blocker light also improves colour. Ll need to be removed, use a hand pruner or lopper and! On black soot is a byproduct of sap-sucking insects organic herbicide that you ’ get. Made flush with the collar and not the trunk as possible to, spread the out! More readily and make it less likely that new sprouts will grow from the top of stem. After the young trees are pruned for the first two to three years, they tolerate! Receives enough positive feedback Michigan University in 2014 pruned, it stimulates new leaf and. Or blossoms than 20 % of people told us that this article helped them,. 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