Taking care of your lemon tree is an essential part of enjoying its delicious, aromatic fruits. To keep your lemon tree in top shape and keep it producing your favourite lemons, you need to make sure you prune and bush it correctly. To help you achieve just that, here’s everything you need to know about how to make your lemon tree bushy.
Pruning
Prune your lemon tree branches once or twice a year to maintain its shape and structure. The best time to prune is early spring, before the tree starts to blossoms and bear fruit. Sanitize your pruning shears or blades before using them, to prevent any risk of spreading any diseases to your tree. Prune away any branches that are rubbing against each other, crossed-over, or competing for the same space. You should also remove any dead, diseased, broken, or crossing over branches and any suckers, to keep your tree healthy.
Deadwooding
Unpruned lemon trees can become weak and overgrown, and in turn will produce fewer fruits. Deadwooding is an important technique in pruning lemon trees, as it promotes new growth and stimulates the production of leaves and fruits. To deadwood your lemon tree, trim away dead parts of the branches and leaves. This process will expose more of the tree’s inner bark, stimulating it to produce more leaves and fruits.
Thinning
Thinning is another important pruning technique that helps your lemon tree to keep its natural structure. To thin, remove the smaller branches or lateral shoots the grow inward. These inward-facing shoots impede air circulation, which can make your lemon tree more prone to disease. Aim to thin your lemon tree evenly, leaving enough space for air to pass through and for the larger branches to develop.
Mulching
Mulch your lemon tree regularly to keep the roots protected and fertile. Mulch helps to preserve moisture around the soil, helps to keep the soil loose, and decreases the growth of weeds. Aim to apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch around your tree, but leaving 3-4 inches of space away from the trunk. Mulch also encourages healthy bacteria and organisms in the soil that help to nourish and protect your tree.
Watering
Lemon trees require around 1-2 inches of water a week, depending on your climate. To check if your lemon tree needs watering, check the soil around it. If the soil is dry, apply 1-2 inches of water around the base of the tree, making sure to keep the foliage dry. Make sure you water your lemon tree regularly, but be careful not to overwater it.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your lemon tree twice a year, usually at the beginning and ending of the growing season. Fertilizers help to ensure that your lemon tree obtains enough nutrients to grow and bear fruits. Look for a citrus-specific fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package for the correct dosage and frequency.
Pest Control
Keep an eye out for pests and insects on your lemon tree, as they can damage the leaves, branches, and fruits. To prevent any pest infestations, keep your yard and garden clean and free of debris and clutter. Spot any pests on your tree and spray a specifically targeted pesticide as soon as you can. Regularly monitor your tree, and if you see any signs of pests, act quickly to prevent them from taking over.
Protection
When temperatures drop below 28°F, your lemon tree may be prone to frost damage. To protect it, cover it with a blanket or sheet when the temperature drops, especially if there’s a hard freeze forecast. Also, piling up mulch around the base of your tree will help to insulate it from the cold and protect its roots from the frost.
Staking
If your lemon tree is tall, then staking can help to keep it upright and stable. Once the tree is planted, carefully drive the stakes at least 12 inches into the ground, making sure to leave enough space between them. Use heavy-duty cords, preferably made of nylon or jute to tie the tree to the stakes. Make sure not to tie them too tightly, as this may cause damage to the tree.
Pruning Tools
For any pruning job, the right tool can make all the difference. Make sure to use a reliable pair of pruning shears, pruning saw, or a lopper for your project. When you’re done, thoroughly sanitize the tools, especially after pruning any branches or deadwooding any parts. This will help to prevent the spread of any diseases or insects to your lemon tree.
Training Young Trees
If your lemon tree is young and small, you need to train it to stay within certain dimensions as it grows. To start with, prune the branches, so they form a slightly rounded open-center shape. Each season, check the shape of the branches and prune them to maintain the shape. This will help to create a good structure, and the tree will be ready to bear lemons before you know it.
Helpful Tips
When you prune or deadwood your lemon tree, aim for a V-shape, so the tree is open at the center. This helps the tree to access enough sunlight and wind, which promote growth and blooming. You can also prune away any decayed or dead parts of the tree, as well as any sharp points and tight angles to ensure safety. Lastly, try to wear gloves and long-sleeved clothes when pruning your lemon tree to protect yourself from any dangerous fruit thorns.
