How Do You Prune A Citrus Tree?
Prune to keep trees healthy, attractive and within bounds. Other than lemon trees, citrus trees do not require frequent pruning to remain productive. Prune citrus almost any time from March to August, but just prior to blooming is best. Remove 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. Cut back branches that are getting too large or are in the way. Paint any branches newly exposed to sun with diluted white latex paint – half water, half paint. This step will prevent sunburn to sensitive bark. Prune 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.
