When should I prune my lemon tree?
Question:I've been growing my lemon tree for just over a year now (it grew dormant in the winter of course) and its getting a little too big and out of hand. Plus, it will just grow dormant again in the fall. When should I prune it and how do I do it? thanks.
Answers:
I just pruned mine last week...Like you said it goes dormant in winter and in one month it grows a lot..If you are in Florida, better prune now for the hurricane season coming.
How to prune it ? Like all the other trees. Cut around the trunk what is too much ( Free the trunk ) in a way to help the trunk to get thicker.
And prune the edges of the weaker branches.
Step OnePrune citrus almost any time from March to August, but just prior to blooming is best.
2Step TwoRemove dead, diseased or crisscrossing limbs to open the center of the tree. Use handheld bypass pruners on small branches; long-handled loppers or a pruning saw on larger ones.
3Step ThreeCut back branches that are getting too large or are in the way.
4Step FourPaint any branches newly exposed to sun with diluted white latex paint - half water, half paint. This step will prevent sunburn to sensitive bark.
5Step FivePrune lemons every year or two, cutting back new growth by about one-quarter to one-third. Otherwise, trees will get too large, and fruit will be hard to pick.
Tips & Warnings
Citrus trees can be pruned hard to keep them in bounds, but productivity will be reduced.
Keep pruning shears sharp. They'll be much easier to use.
Wait to prune frost-damaged trees until after new growth has shown the extent of the damage. This may take several months. Then remove dead branches, cutting back several inches into healthy wood.
Pruning in late summer or early fall may encourage frost-sensitive new growth, which will be more susceptible to cold damage in the coming winter.
Be careful with pruning equipment. It can cut you.
Get you a Farmers Almanac or goto farmersalmanac.com they will show you how to and when to prune,grow and everything in your area anywhere in the country. I have 19 rows of corn and 4 rows of beans Tomatoes squash ect... an GOD has blessed us with it growing greatly, even in the drought we are in. The Rubber Duck told you that. pace told you wrong, don't cut in summer, the sap is up and you will kill it!!!
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