How to Prune a Citrus Tree
Prune to keep trees healthy, attractive and within bounds. Other than lemon trees, citrus trees do not require frequent pruning to remain productive.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Flat Paintbrushes
- Bypass Pruners
- Latex Paints
- Lopping Shears
- Pruning Saws
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1
Prune citrus almost any time from March to August, but just prior to blooming is best.
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2
Remove dead, diseased or crisscrossing limbs to open the center of the tree. Use handheld bypass pruners on small branches; long-handled loppers or a pruning saw on larger ones.
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3
Cut back branches that are getting too large or are in the way.
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4
Paint any branches newly exposed to sun with diluted white latex paint - half water, half paint. This step will prevent sunburn to sensitive bark.
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5
Prune lemons every year or two, cutting back new growth by about one-quarter to one-third. Otherwise, trees will get too large, and fruit will be hard to pick.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Citrus trees can be pruned hard to keep them in bounds, but productivity will be reduced.
Keep pruning shears sharp. They'll be much easier to use.
Wait to prune frost-damaged trees until after new growth has shown the extent of the damage. This may take several months. Then remove dead branches, cutting back several inches into healthy wood.
Pruning in late summer or early fall may encourage frost-sensitive new growth, which will be more susceptible to cold damage in the coming winter.
Be careful with pruning equipment. It can cut you.
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Comments
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why is your picture coming up on my computer with your name? Mom
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Me!
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I have lived in Florida for 32yrs and just found out that citrus trees have thorns on them. I'm also glad to know they like growing in containers. I'm not even sure what type of citrus tree I have growing? It has very long spikes and is weeping(like a weeping willow)from the middle branch. My mother is the one who put the seed in the hanging planter in the kitchen where she always ate either oranges or tangerines. The tree is as old as shes been gone, alittle over 2yrs. So I'll just have to wait and see what she has letf behind for me! I won't prune it. I don't want it to get a sunburn! Besides it looks very healthy. How old or long does it take for them to flower? CAN"T WAIT!
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fmcoon
Feb 18, 2008
Last October I have purchased and planted a 2 year old grapefruit tree in the Rio Grand Valley in Texas. I tell you that in order to give you a better idea of the growing season this tree will experience. It is middle of February now, and the tree is loaded with blossoms. Some are opening but most are stll developing. It is my understanding that this young of a tree should not be allowed to grow fruit, so that the tree can better develop. If this is true, please tell me how and when do you remove the buds or blossoms from this young of a tree. Thanks, Mike -
fmcoon
Feb 18, 2008
Last October I have purchased and planted a 2 year old grapefruit tree in the Rio Grand Valley in Texas. I tell you that in order to give you a better idea of the growing season this tree will experience. It is middle of February now, and the tree is loaded with blossoms. Some are opening but most are stll developing. It is my understanding that this young of a tree should not be allowed to grow fruit, so that the tree can better develop. If this is true, please tell me how and when do you remove the buds or blossoms from this young of a tree. Thanks, Mike
