How to Prune Citrus Fruit Trees

Citrus trees require pruning to avoid becoming overgrown. When a citrus tree is neglected, it will not produce as much fruit. Furthermore, the quality of the fruit the tree produces will be of lesser quality. Another problem common with trees that have not been pruned is that they can become a breeding ground for diseases such as brown spots and citrus scabs. It is also necessary to keep the tree at a height desirable for picking the harvest. These tips will show you how to properly prune a citrus tree.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden shears

Pruning Citrus Trees

1. Avoid pruning too often. Citrus trees should only be pruned once every year in a half or two years. However, lemon trees need to be pruned about every six months. Pruning citrus trees any more than this is likely to damage the tree and slow down the production of fruit.

2. Prune before the tree begins flowering. The optimal pruning time depends a lot on your location, but the best time is usually no earlier than April and no later than August.

3. Before you start cutting, you will need to find the graft joint. It will typically look like a knob located about two feet up from the ground on the trunk of the tree.

4. Remove any twigs or branches found beneath the graft joint. The main branches of the tree begin above the joint, so these branches are not productive and must be removed. In fact, they are taking energy away from the tree’s fruit production. Use a good pair of garden shears to remove them.

5. Cut evenly around the tree. Be sure you shape the tree evenly. Cut away any weak twigs, as well as any dead branches. Also be sure you open up the center of the tree to allow adequate amounts of sunlight to reach the fruit in the ripening process. Ideally, you will want to keep your citrus trees between 6 and 6 1/2 feet in height.

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[Zorra]

on 1/7/2009 Hello! The leaves on a grapefruit tree only live about two years--give or take a little. Are you sure it is not just going through its normal growing cycle? Grapefruit trees are the most sensitive to cold of all the citrus trees. How do you protect it from freeze? Also, it should only need to be watered once or twice a week unless the soil completely dries out.

I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.

[MichaelK]

on 1/5/2009 I am in Montreal, Quebec and I started a grapefruit tree from seed (from store bought fruit) two and a half years ago. It sprouted and eventually grew to a height of about 8 or 9 inches with four little branches off the main trunk. It had a number of initial leaves that looked as if they were about to become larger secondary leaves until the plant was left not watered over a long weekend. The leaves then dried up and all but one felloff. The main stock and little branches appear to be wick but I am not sure on how best to stimulate the plant to regenerate any insight would be appreciated. Thanks MichaelK