Dwarf Meyer lemon trees are one of the most popular types of citrus trees, available in many garden centers and nurseries. Pruning such a small tree correctly is essential, not only to keep it healthy, but also to ensure it produces a bountiful harvest. The decision of when to prune your dwarf Meyer lemon tree will depend upon the state of the tree and the local climate that it is growing in.
In general, you should wait until the summer months before you prune your dwarf Meyer lemon tree. This is the period when the tree is beginning to bloom and fruit, and pruning will otherwise damage the developing fruiting buds. Make sure to wait for the hot, dry summer days when nothing is actively growing.
Equally important is to never prune your tree in the winter as it is too susceptible to fungal diseases like sooty blight and citrus scab. Pruning at this time could open up the trees to be attacked by harmful fungus.
Before the summer season starts, take a good look at your trees form and structure. Pruning should be done to remove crossing branches, encourage circulation and open up the center. This way, light and air can flow through the canopy of the tree, and such pruning will increase the number of healthy blooms and fruit.
Once you have worked out what needs to be pruned, it is essential to choose the correct tools for the job. A pair of sterile pruning shears is ideal for detailed trimming and snipping away at many of the smaller branches. For more serious pruning, though, a lopper or saw may be needed to remove any larger branches.
Finally, after the pruning has been finished, make sure that you take steps to restore the health of the tree. Removing any diseased or dead tissue and sealing off any open pruning wounds with a citrus tree paste is essential to ensure that your tree stays healthy and continues to grow.
Pruning for Growth
Incorporating proper pruning into your Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree care regimen is essential for encouraging proper growth and shape. By removing branches that interfere with the shape – creating a cup-shaped crown with ascending branches – more energy is allowed to go to the production of fruit rather than taken up maintaining a misshapen tree. Additionally, pruning any damaged, crisscrossing, or dead branches helps air and light circulate through the canopy, further aiding the tree in its growth.
Applying Pruning Techniques
In order to ensure your Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree is pruned correctly, it is important to recognize the primary techniques available to you. These include thinning, heading, and shearing. Thinning establishes an open framework, removing crossing and closely spaced branches, while heading helps shape and encourage branching. Shearing is less consequential; it helps the tree retain its established shape, removing foliage and old wood, often to increase light and air circulation.
Devising a Pruning Schedule
As you establish a pruning regimen, there are some general guidelines to follow. Generally, more pruning should be done earlier in the tree’s life and as it is growing, and as it becomes more mature, pruning becomes less frequent and less severe. Additionally, consider the season and your local climate before you prune; exercise caution in pruning during the winter and remember that it is useless to prune your tree when fruit is blooming or setting.
Managing Rejuvenation Pruning
As your Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree ages and slows down in productivity, it may become necessary for you to use a technique known as rejuvenation pruning. This type of pruning is drastic and should only be used as a last resort when other pruning methods are no longer producing results. Rejuvenation pruning involves reducing the tree to 6-10 inches in height, cutting away almost all of the branches. After rejuvenation pruning, your Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree should begin to show new and healthy growth.
Applying the Correct Pruning Cut
When you decide what to prune, the next step is to make a proper pruning cut. Pruning cuts should always be made at a slight angle – not more than 45 degrees – and should start just outside the branch collar. This will provide the tree with maximum protection from pests, fungus, and other diseases. When possible, avoid leaving stubs when pruning and cut to the junction of the branch being removed and the trunk of your tree.
Choosing the Proper Pruning Tools
It is important to use the correct tools when pruning your Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree; using the proper tools ensures that you prune quickly with minimal effort and damage. Pruning shears, also known as bypass shears, are ideal for precise and precise trimming of many small branches, while loppers and saws are better for more serious pruning work. When pruning, remember to use sterilized tools, and sanitize them between cuts.
Caring for the Tree After Pruning
Once you have completed pruning, it is important to take the next steps to ensure that your tree is properly cared for and remains healthy. Removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches is essential and should be done immediately following the pruning process. Additionally, consider sealing off pruning wounds with a citrus tree paste to protect the tree from disease and pests.
