How to Prune a Citrus Tree: The Latest Technical Method Tutorial

Proper pruning allows citrus trees to grow better and extends their full fruiting period, but pruning also has its rules and cannot be done arbitrarily. Citrus trees have a higher demand for pruning, because they generally grow in a rather spreading manner, without a specific trunk. So how should a citrus tree be pruned?

1. Selecting the main trunk

Before pruning, you must first determine which branches, growing well and in a good direction, can be cultivated as the main trunk, and then begin pruning around this main trunk; this is usually decided during the seedling stage. For mature trees, you need to pay attention to whether the main trunk is suitable and whether the fruit yield is high. Generally, citrus trees choose several branches growing in the same direction as the main trunk, so that when one of them turns out to be unsuitable, removing it will not greatly affect the growth of the citrus tree.

2. Clearing weak branches

After determining the main trunk, you must begin clearing away some weak branches growing in a scattered manner; such branches consume the citrus tree's nutrients without bringing you any returns. First are those whose growth direction differs from the main trunk and which have fewer branch nodes; these bear little fruit and will disrupt the growth tendency of the citrus tree. Next are some irregular thin branches hidden under the leaves; these not only grow poorly themselves but also affect some quality branches, so they also need to be cleared.

3. Shaping

The purpose of pruning is high yield, and generally the fruit of citrus trees that face the sun grows best, so during pruning you also need to shape the citrus tree so that it absorbs sunlight better. Citrus trees are generally shaped into an umbrella form, so that they can receive sunlight to the greatest extent, and some of the more densely packed leaves in the middle need to be partially removed, so that the middle part can also receive a certain amount of penetrating light.

4. Pruning time

The pruning time for citrus trees mainly falls into three broad periods: pruning during the seedling stage, pruning before the full fruiting stage, and pruning of old trees. In terms of weather conditions, it is generally a few days after rain or after watering; at this time the citrus tree has received moisture, is relatively vigorous, and suffers relatively little damage. Remember that you must not prune when the sun is fierce, as at this time the harm to the citrus tree is the greatest. When pruning, be thorough; branches should as far as possible be removed from the root node, and the same goes for leaves.

The above is the process of pruning a citrus tree; citrus growers can learn from it. It is recommended that the debris after each pruning not be left in place, but preferably taken away. After pruning, pay attention to the growth of the citrus tree and to watering, so as to avoid unnecessary losses.