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Help Pruning Lemon Tree

9 years ago

I have a small lemon tree that I've had for about 1.5 years. I haven't really pruned it so far and thought that it might be getting close to figuring out how and when to prune. I live in a 9b/10a climate according to this map http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/#

Yesterday I pulled about 12 lemons off of the tree and I'm not sure if I should prune now. I thinking that I want to allow the tree to grow taller but not sure how many "bigger" branches to leave on right now.

Here are some pictures:

http://imgur.com/a/ES36R

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I tried to find videos but didn't see too many plants that were similarly size to mine.

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Comment (1)

hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
9 years ago
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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You can also do whatever you like. Go with your gut feeling what is right for you. If you want a tall tree, prune the sides and leave the branches that grow straight up. I did that to my 2 citrus and never did recover however. Now they look so puny with 2 straight branches sticking up and no side branches grew. Citrus does not like to be pruned. But in my other citrus like calamondin and Washington navel, I pruned the sides and grew taller.
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There is a way but it is drastic. You can keep the strongest branch and cut of the others. If you manage to straighten the remaining branch this one will than become your central leader, make sure you clean any side branches developing. When that branch is about 4feet tall ,you can tip the top to start your side branches and just keep 4. Closest to the top. patience, patience, patience.
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