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Pruning a lemon tree.

14 years ago

Hi,

I have a lemon tree that is probably 12 - 14 feet tall in my backyard and reaches the electric wires going over it. I'm thinking to prune it down, but I wonder how I should go.

Reading some threads, I understand the small inward and crossing braches should go, but how about the main trunk ?

The thing is the main trunk shoots up to that high and i would like to cut it short to 10 feet or so. Is there any problem to do so ?

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Comments (4)

jean001
14 years ago
The problem is the electric wiring!

In such instances, you should contact the utility company which will take care of the problem or will suggest certified arborists who can.
Andrew Scott
14 years ago
Hello,
I don't know if I would want to call the utility company. I see how they will butcher trees here. Lets say there is a branch that is close to the wires. Not only will they remove the branch but if they think that there are branches that will be problematic in a few years they will cut them also. What I hate is that they really don't care about how they do it. Most of the time they ruin the tree. I have seen them cut pine trees almost in half.
Andrew
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Crafsty, you have an Improved Meyer lemon tree, which naturally likes to grow more as a bush. I don't see where you need to prune it, except to prune out those poor branch stubs that must have been pruned off some time past. Prune the stubs down to the branch collar and prune out any dead stubs or branches. I would allow the tree to continue to grow. Not sure why you feel compelled to lop off branches, it looks just fine to me. Citrus don't really need a lot of pruning, except a little for pleasing shape and in older trees to remove dense inner canopy or dead inside branches. Patty S.
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During the first years, there is absolutely no need to cut a young citrus tree, since research has shown that any cut to a young tree reduces root growth. This is due to the equilibrium between the foliage and root system. A citrus tree is a biological unit. Cuts on a young tree, discourage canopy growth and delay trees coming into bearing. the only pruning on young trees should be to eliminate the central leader branch at about 30 inches . In some weak citrus varieties such as limes, satsuma, etc., it is not convenient to make any cuts at all. After a few years, DEPENDING on the speed of tree growth, climate and cultural practices, a very selective canopy thinning may be carried out. A two year old citrus tree should have been much taller than your tree was before you cut it. - Silica
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Unless those two branches which appear to be 6 feet long are water sprouts gone wild, I think Jason is on target with the reason the tree is lanky. If you don't have a better window with direct sun for 5+ hours, you probably need to invest in some lights since it is an indoor tree, that is you only solution to get a viable more bush shape tree. I would light the tree - focus on the core - within 4 feet of the pot. When the stems bud out and form new branches and leaves (seems to take 2 months for me on new trees), then trim back the tree like Steve indicated.
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Lots (which is not to say many, most, or all) are grafted, so look for the graft line if you can find it. Anything growing from under the graft line should simply be removed. Lemons do have thorns. Technically you can remove whatever you like at any time except when the lemon's flowering or fruiting (it removes energy from the plant at that time, which you don't want), although I tend to avoid heavy pruning during winter when I can on everything I can. Here, it's out of shape enough that I'd just do it. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-pohutukawa-74987.html The link title is a bit off-putting but it talks first about lemons. In your case, I'd probably just neaten things a little and leave most of the height, really. It's a young lemon, it's going to grow. If you'd rather impose a bushier, shorter shape, though, that's certainly fine as long as it's not too forced.
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brass_tacks
14 years ago
Southbay,
The challenge is getting close enough to where you want to cut or saw so that you have good control of your tool. Take the time to study/plan what you'll need to do before you get on the ladder. If you have someone standing by to help move branches out of your way -- that would help.
If you are prone to accidents, well ....

Hope we hear from you again.
ashleysf
14 years ago
I was once given the advise to not remove more than 2-3 ft off the fruiting canopy of the tree in one season (the tree might get stressed and might have a hard time recovering otherwise). So, you might want to consider that when you prune. You might want to remove 3 ft this year and then remove more next year. Spring is a good time to do this as there will be a lot of new growth to compensate for what you take off. Please plan on making/shaping the tree more bush shaped rather than tree shaped as it makes it easier for harvesting in the future. Good luck.

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