Tips on When to Trim Citrus Trees

Most of us wonder when to trim citrus trees and how often it should be done. When to trim citrus trees is based on the health of the tree and how attractive you want it to look. You may also want the tree to stay within your bounds so a tall ladder is not needed to pick the fruit.

There are a number of people who are afraid of pruning citrus trees; they think it is a difficult chore or they are worried about damaging the tree. Because of this they become neglected and end up growing wild and some people believe they take care of themselves. In actuality this will cause the fruit's quality to become deteriorated, there will be a decrease in the quantity of the fruit, and it gives some diseases the ability to permeate the tree. Therefore, regular pruning is a necessary step for healthy trees. Now let's look at when you should trim or prune, the necessary tools that are needed, and finally the where and how to prune to keep the trees healthy and less susceptible to some diseases. You want your citrus trees to look good and give you a tasty, well shaped crop for as long as possible.  

The best time for you to prune or trim citrus trees is just about any time March through to August, but prior to blooming. When to trim citrus trees is when it is convenient for you, especially if the next years fruit does not concern you. If you prune or trim only after your tree fruits and before it begins to flower you will protect quite a bit of the next crop. Some fruit will get lost whenever you decide to prune. If you live in an area where frost is a big concern, do not prune outdoor citrus trees in the fall. Those trees need to enter winter with a little more bulk in case of any frost damage.

To make the chore of pruning or trimming citrus trees easier, here are some important tools that are needed. In order to protect your hands some heavy duty gardening gloves will be needed because there several varieties of citrus that have some nasty thorns. A good quality pair of bypass pruning shears is a must for clean and accurate trimming of deadwood and small branches. Long handled loppers are essential for pruning thicker branches. If you have never pruned a well established citrus tree a pruning saw will come in handy if there are any extra thick branches that need to be cut off.

Next you want to remove all dead and diseased branches and any limbs that are crisscrossing so you can open the center section of the tree. Cut back any branches that seem to be getting very large or if they are in the way. In order to prevent sunburn on sensitive bark it is a good idea to paint any branches that are now exposed to the sun with a mixture of half water and half white latex paint. It is best to prune lemon trees every year or two by cutting any new growth back by 1/4 to 1/3. If you do not do this the tree will grow too tall and it will be very hard to pick the fruit.

If you want your citrus to be a tree shape, you will need to remove all lower limbs while the tree is still young. This type of trimming can be started when your tree is 2 or 3 years old and well established. If you want a tree you can walk under, continue removing these limbs every year as the tree gets taller and always remember to wear those heavy duty gardening gloves. A popular way to trim citrus trees is to make them into bushes.  

The easiest way to trim citrus trees into a bushes is do nothing at all until the tree reaches the height you want to achieve, generally under ten feet. Top the tree which is cutting straight across the top, when it reaches the height you desire. This method leaves the tree nothing else to do but to branch out to create a bush. Then all you do is trim it yearly just after it fruits to maintain the desired shape. Hopefully these tips on when to trim citrus trees will help you to maintain healthy productive citrus.