Pruning a lemon tree is a necessary step in achieving optimal productivity and fruit size. The right pruning techniques, as well as the appropriate timing, will boost the growth and output of your tree. There are a few simple steps involved in proper pruning that are easy to follow.
To begin with, lemon trees should be pruned during their dormant period, which is typically during late winter or early spring. Pruning during this time will help rejuvenate the tree and encourage new growth. Areas to prune away include dead or diseased branches, twigs with no foliage, and suckers growing near the base of the tree. Removing around one-third of the foliage encourages new growth or prevents over-crowding; this step also helps maximize fruit production.
In addition, pruning can help shape the lemon tree into a desirable form. Prune away lateral limbs that are directing energy away from new fruit production, prune away branches that are too low, or prune away branches that cross over each other. Pruning in this fashion helps maintain a healthy shape and size.
Finally, it’s important to consider how to cut when pruning a lemon tree. Before pruning, sterilize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent transferring of diseases. To prevent water stress, use sharp secateurs, loppers, or pruning shears and make a smooth, clean cut at the base of each branch. It’s better not to leaves stubs, as they can inhibit proper healing of the tree.
When correctly pruned, a lemon tree’s fruits will be larger, healthier, and sweeter in flavor. By taking the time to understand and follow the proper pruning techniques, a lemon tree can be robust and vibrant for many years to come.
Pruning Tools
The right pruning tools and supplies can make the process considerably easier and more efficient. Before pruning, have a bucket and pair of gloves to hand. Pruning tools such as a bypass pruner, a lopper, and shears will also help. Proper pruning shears and loppers have a curved cutting blade that follows the curve of the branch, allowing for a clean cut as close to the branch collar as possible.
Shears with anvil blades can crush branches and can sometimes damage the branch collar. Pruning saws can be used for larger branches, and long-handled clippers should be used to reach high branches. A hand saw or a chainsaw can be used for large-diameter branches.
Pruning for Fertilization
Lemon trees require a regular fertilization program in order to remain healthy and productive. Pruning can help optimize the fertilization process. By removing old, weak, and diseased wood, the tree is better able to uptakes resources from new growth. Removing competing shoots or low, overlapping branches will also allow for better growth and nutrient uptake.
Pruning for Pest Control
Pruning can also help reduce pest infestation that can be harmful to a lemon tree and its fruits. Pests such as scale, whitefly, and mealybugs are attracted to areas that are overly dense and filled with leaves, branches, and limbs. Regular pruning helps reduce these environment and allows for better air circulation, making it difficult for pests to inundate the tree.
Cleaning Up Debris
After pruning, it is important to clean up any debris or twigs that were clipped off the tree. Pruning rubish can act as a vector for diseases, pests, and fungal infections. Removing this debris from the tree and its immediate vicintiy will help keep the tree healthy and disease-free.
Pruning After Harvest
Typically, after the majority of production has been completed, pruning can be done to help shape and maintain the tree’s growth. Also, after harvest, pruning can help keep the tree open and allow for maximum light infiltration and air circulation, both of which aid in flower set for the following season.
Pruning in Summer
Pruning in summer should primarily be focused on cutting out of fruit that has split, been damaged, or is low in nutrition. Removing fruit from the tree prevents energy from being used in the production process. Also, it’s important to prune away excess shoots and limbs that were not removed during the dormant period.
Pruning in Winter
It’s beneficial to do some light pruning in winter to remove dead and diseased branches, keep the overall height of the tree down, and open up the center of the tree to optimize air circulation and light penetration. This will help reduce the potential for fruit rots, pests infestations, and fungal diseases, as well as to help increase the productivity of the lemon tree.
