How to Save a Frost-Damaged Orange Tree

Pruning an orange tree is the best way to save it from frost damage.

Orange trees have a compact shape and seldom require pruning. The major exception to this rule is when orange trees are damaged by frost. Pruning a frost-damaged orange tree is the recommended method for helping the tree to recover. An orange tree pruned to remove frost damage will produce new, healthy growth.

Things You'll Need

• Sharpening stone
• Cloth
• Bleach
• Pruning shears
• Branch loppers
• Hand saw
• Chain saw

Instructions

1. Prune orange trees in spring after the winter cold is over. This will help you to discern the extent of the damage and avoid pruning away living parts of the tree. Pruning orange trees in spring will also allow the trees to produce and then harden off new growth before the next winter.

2. Sharpen your tools before pruning by dragging a sharpening stone along the blades. Sharpening your tools will help you to avoid damaging healthy wood in your orange trees.

3. Saturate a cloth with a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Wipe your blades with this cloth to kill any diseases that may be on the blades. Continue to wipe the blades between pruning trees to halt the spread of disease.

4. Select the correct pruning tool for your limb based on the limb size. Use pruning shears for branches smaller than ½ inch. Use branch loppers for limbs that are 1 ½ inches or smaller. Use a hand saw for branches smaller than 6 inches. For larger branches, use a chain saw.

5. Cut back frost-damaged limbs to a point just in front of an outward facing bud. The bud will sprout and grow a new limb.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective clothing when you are pruning your orange tree. Protective gear includes close-toed shoes, long pants, long shirt, gloves, goggles and a hard hat for pruning branches over your head.

• Never use a chain saw for making cuts above chest height. This can cause you to lose control of the chain saw and hurt yourself.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Citrus
• Texas A&M University Extension: Home Fruit Production-Citrus
• NC State Universtiy Extension: Pruning Trees

Resources

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide-Pruning