All of them will need to be pruned to help maintain their shape and improve fruit production.
Pruninga lemon tree requires some basic gardening equipment and easy-to-learn skills.
Let’s get your lemon tree into good shape.
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Most citrus trees are grafted onto rootstock, and the suckers do not produce the desired fruit variety.
Mature lemon trees produce best and are easier to harvest with regular pruning.
“Topping” a tree also helps keep it at a manageable height for easy harvest.
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Before Getting Started
Before starting a pruning project, all cutting tools should be sharp and clean.
This is particularly important if there are fungal or insect infestations in the garden.
Safety Considerations
Lemon trees have thorns that can cause some pretty deep scratches.
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Always use a sturdy ladder or step stool when pruning the tree or even picking lemons.
Shoots that grow from the rootstock will not be productive and should also be removed with secateurs orhand pruners.
The branches grow rapidly and use up large amounts of nutrients and water.
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Typically, they do not produce fruit but if they do, it is poor quality.
Gourmands should be removed with a clean cut at the base of the shoot.
Tip
Lemon tree bark is thin and damages easily, so avoid nicking the bark.
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Dead wood can be removed safely at any time of the year.
This may diminish fruit production for the year but will help the next crop be more tasty and plentiful.
If the canopy is ideal, you should see dappled sunlight on the ground beneath the tree at midday.
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To thin the canopy correctly, visually divide the tree into quarters based on the primary branch structure.
Prune one section at a time removing branches to open lower branches to sunlight.
The shorter the tree remains, the easier it is to maintain.
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Flagging branches have only one leaf at the end of the branch or very small leaves.
These branches usually occur at the top of the container lemon tree.
Remove flagging branches one by one with sharp hand pruners to improve the health of your tree.
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It is safe to remove up to 25 percent of the branches of your tree.
Lemon trees in containers are topped soon after planting if they are tall and spindly.
Regular watering, especially during dry weather, fertilizing, and annual pruning are the key elements of maintenance.
Pruning Citrus.University of California Cooperative Extension.
Citrus Culture in the Home Landscape.University of Florida Extension.
