Lemon tree pruning advice

[chrisjshull]

Hi,

 

Moved into a house with a lemon tree about two years ago. Was pruning for the first time today and noticed some things that concerned me. Hoping you all can give me some advice (pictures attached)...

 

1) There is a branch that seems to have died on the top a bit.

 

2) There is a branch which seems to have grown around a dead branch.

 

For each, I don't know if I should remove the limb. What are the risks of leaving them? (And what are chances of those risks happening?)

 

I'm loath to cut away any more, since I just had to prune a bunch (either because of the drought we're in, or some other mismanagement.)

 

(In case it matters, location is northern CA, USA.)

[arbormonkey]

the lower limb to the right should be removed cant tell properly from the picture any chance of a close up of the branch that has grown around cheers

[Steve Bullman]

It doesn't look like it has grown up round anything. Its just callous on an old pruning wound, or tear. I also disagree it particularly needs removing, there is no weight in that tiny limb.

[chrisjshull]

Here are some more clasps of #2...

 

arbormonkey, please let me know why you think particular limbs should be removed.

[arbormonkey]

a general rule when pruning fruit trees is to remove crossing branches but upon closer inspection personaly I would leave the branch to callous as steve said

[chrisjshull]

Thanks!

 

Can you explain why crossing branches should be removed?

(Is it just to prevent damage caused by their rubbing against each other?)

[agg221]

Thanks!

 

Can you explain why crossing branches should be removed?

(Is it just to prevent damage caused by their rubbing against each other?)

 

Partly, but there are other reasons including to keep a more open structure so more of the tree volume gets enough light to produce good fruit and because the extra weight of a good crop means weaker, badly formed branches are more prone to breaking.

 

Alec

[Fredward]

Lemon trees are surprisingly resiliant. The wood is strong to cope with heavy loads of fruit. The tree has seen some poor pruning but I wouldn't be too concerned. Remove any totally dead portions and the dead stubs pictured in the second photo. The best way to avoid branches breaking on citrus trees is often to remove some of the fruit if it looks particularly laden. Pruning times in NZ are dictated by the seasonal ocurrence of wood boring beetles which can smell the freshly cut wounds and enter via them, might be worth doing some research to ascertain when is best to prune in your part of the world.

[John Mac]

We have lots of orange and lemon trees here in the Canaries, very similar climate to California and Florida, I imagine. Anyway, you should take away all dead wood and if you can, lighten the canopy to let more light through and encourage good air circulation. Don't take too much off the canopy as the leaves protect the trunk from sunburn. As previous poster said Lemon trees are hardy and benefit from dead wood removal regularly. Plants 1m tall shouldn't have more than about 20 fruits. You should prune it back to a central leader or to a modified central leader shape. You can also espalier them, which looks nice too. You asked about crossed branches, they should be removed to prevent insect and disease problems at the crossing point, also they only thicken the canopy and prevent good air circulation. Citrus trees show layering of interior branches, which will die, which come from the development of the canopy as it layers upwards. If you have a picture of the whole tree, it would be helpful.

[bootstree]

Choose the proper time (at the time of new spring growth).

Collect all the fruits from the tree.

Prune the damaged branches all the way back to the base.

Cut any branches that are smaller.

Prune suckers as they appear at any time.

Decide if you want an open, compact, or hedge type tree look.

Remove the lower branches to give the tree a single, sturdy trunk.

Choose 2 or 3 branches to be the main scaffold branches that you will train to bear the fruit.

Cut the center stem off, which will open up the center of the tree.

Cut off the tips of the main branches.

 

Boots Tree Services Gold Coast

Tallebudgera Creek Rd

Tallebudgera

QLD

4228

Ph: 04 2444 2966

[Taupotreeman]

And don't forget to feed it!