The Proper Way to Prune an Orange Tree

Don't prune excessively.

If you think an orange tree needs regular pruning just like other fruit trees and landscape trees, you're wrong. Citrus wood is naturally strong and is "self-forming," meaning you don't need to prune to control shaping.

Time Frame

Do any pruning in late winter after you've harvested oranges from your tree and once any frost danger has passed. Arizona Cooperative Extension advises pruning between February and April.

Considerations

Orange trees need very little pruning, and too much can actually harm the tree. Remove suckers from the tree trunk and clip off dead and diseased wood. Limbs that get damaged by frost and appear dead should be trimmed back.

Technique

Clip suckers and dead or damaged wood off at the base using hand pruners. Don't cut into the trunk. Prune back frost damaged wood to a healthy lateral branch or a swollen tissue node.

References

• Purdue University: Orange
• Texas A&M University: Home Fruit Production--Oranges
• Arizona Cooperative Extension: Pruning Citrus