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Tree-like vs. Bush-like growth

18 years ago

Howdy all,

I was curious... Drake (Tarocco Blood Orange) from Harris Citrus has just started putting out some new leaves. However, a couple of the sets are something like half way up the trunk, whereas the main "canopy" is a foot or so above that.

I would like to maintain a sort of "tree-like" appearance, which would require me to remove some of the new growth at the mid-trunk level. Will this harm the vitality of the tree as a whole? I'm not interested so much in the looks as I am in the health and vitality of the tree, so if it will be detrimental to Drake's well-being, I just won't bother.

Thanks much for any opinions!

~Derek

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Comments (5)

malcolm_manners
18 years ago
No, if you want a single trunk, by all means prune it to make it so. The tree won't mind. If the sprout is from above the graft union, it's all a matter of personal preference; if from below the union (and therefore a different variety), it should definitely be removed.
birdsnblooms
18 years ago
Derek, when my citrus develop spurts of growth on the center of my 'standard trees,' I always clip them off..I too want the tree-like appearance, not the bush.
And like MM says, if greenery grows under the graft line, that's plucked out ASAP.
BTW, it's best to remove quickly so it doesn't leave a scar. Toni
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Millet
18 years ago
Derek, here is what I do with most all side branches that grow on GRAFTED TREES. I leave the side branches, or any branch that I don't necessarly want to keep, develop and grow on the main trunk untill they get a "firm" feel to them and a couple of leaves have fully opened or developed. Then I remove the branch and root them. This way I get a new "mature" tree for FREE that will bloom and fruit in 1-2 years. I have obtained many free trees by the above method. When I know what variety the rootstock is I also let new branch growth grow on the rootstock and do the same as above. By doing this I have obtained a lot of rootstock. - Millet
kybasche
Original Author
18 years ago
I like that idea Millet. What do you use to remove the stems once they're a bit larger... pruning shears, a sharp knife? Thanks much for the replies!

~Derek
Millet
18 years ago
Derek, I just cut them off with a pocket knife or sissors. Stick the end of the cutting in a rooting compound and root it. New shoots when first growing are soft and many times sort of droop, especially at the end. I wait until they "firm" up before I cut them. A cutting that is "firmed" up is still a green cutting. I don't mean they have started to "wood" up yet. I got this tip from Dr. Manners a year or so ago. Before Dr. Manners told me that, I let the cuttings get a bit to woody and they were harder to root. Hope you understand what I mean by a "firm" cutting. Take care Derek. - Millet

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