The long shoot is likely a watersprout; I would prune it back to the level of the general canopy, both for esthetics and to "force" the growth back to "normal". FYI, if you are getting watersprouts, it probably means you are being a little too kind to your tree. As for the lemons, leave them for now; later, if you see they are getting too heavy for the branch you can thin them; but Meyer limbs are very resistant... also, often if the fruit bends the branch down, other upright shoots will come off the branch. Keep doing what you are doing, but maybe a little less food... and next time, post pictures; it makes it much easier to diagnose.

Don't worry about it splitting; I have rarely seen that. A bit of advice... the first time the tree blooms, be sure to cut off all the blooms; that will be followed by a new surge of leaves/branches, which will make your tree stronger and larger. If you don't cut the first blooms, the Meyer is such a prolific producer, it will make so many fruits and the tree will not grow. NB, if you bought your tree at Lowes, it is probably on a dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock, so it won't get too big...maybe 6 feet; but by then, it will need to be in the ground, or in a much larger pot.

I would do one of two choices. I would put it in a bigger pot filled with mulch or soil, the pot in pot method so the bottom of the planted pot will rest on or be in contact with the soil or mulch and the water will be tricked to come out of the planted pot with a wicking action....This way the perched water will sit in the empty pot filled with mulch rather the your potted one... Or I would push a nylon or cotton wick into the bottom of one of the holes of your pot and set the pot on a stand so that the wick dangles...The water at the bottom of your pot will continue to come out and dry in the air leaving you with virtually no perched water at the bottom.. This is just to hold you over until the best time of the year to root prune and bare root being around Fathers Day when your tree is actively growing...This way it gives it a chance to recover much more rapidly..

Brian, hello))) Looks like your tress are still very amazing!!! Despite all that you are going through, your trees never seem to suffer..Great job buddy! By the way, you said something about 'salt water' in your pool? Why that? I never heard of salt water in a pool...I would love to come for a swim.. My parents are not doing so well so that is taking up much of my time, but every once in a while I get to pop in...I always wonder how you are doing and I keep telling myself to e-mail you and Cory..I am always thinking of you all and Maggy too...Everyone disappeared for a while and it was only me left but it's been nice to meet so many new ones here..I am so glad to see you posting your beautiful pics again Brian and to see your writings once again that always make me smile. I see your weather is HOT? Not here. It's weird..So far we are having the coolest summer for July and we are just getting out of the 50's for that past 3 days..Crazy. Only two 90 days since spring and summer began but it looks like summer will finally move in at least for a week so my trees are slow to grow as usual(( I guess at least they are healthy) I wanted to pop by to say hello to you and to Cory in which I have been doing for quite some time but it seems she never sees that ask for her or comment on her beautiful postings... Have a wonderful night and you take good care... Laura...Beautiful job and lots of courage..I see what you mean but you could not of picked the best time of season to do it. It should bounce right back in lots of new branches and leaves..Many here defoliate their trees to encourage new growth and it seems to do a great job at it! Good luck with it and please keep us updated every inch of the way) MIke