Lemon trees come in different sizes. Sizes range from dwarf lemon trees with a height of 0.61 to 2.44 m to common lemon trees which can reach 4.6 m or higher. Meyer lemons can be grown in pots and still produce regular-sized lemons. Regardless of the size of your lemon tree, it's a good idea to learn how to prune a lemon tree. Pruning lemons opens up the center of the tree, eases the spraying process, and creates a large surface area for growing fruit that is accessible to harvesters and sunlight. Pruning also creates stems that are strong enough to withstand the weight of the fruit.
Step
Step 1. Choose the right time
Lemon trees are evergreen trees that do not undergo a stage of dormancy, such as the molting process. However, tree growth and metabolism declines after harvest. Lemon trees in cold climates show slower activity before growing rapidly in summer. Pruning should be done at this time or when summer growth begins to show.
Step 2. Take the whole fruit from the tree
Step 3. Prune all damaged or diseased stems from the base
Step 4. Cut out all the stems that are smaller in diameter than a pencil
Step 5. Prune the suckers as they begin to appear
Lemon trees are propagated by sticking the stalks of lemons that bear fruit over small tree trunks (for dwarf lemons) or on hard tree trunks. Suckers are “mini trees” that stick out from the rootstock. Suckers will reduce fruit production and have a negative effect on the health of the lemon tree. The height of these “mini trees” can exceed the height of the main tree in a few months if not pruned and absorb nutrients from the fruit-bearing parts of the tree.
- Suckers that are green and newly grown can be easily broken off from the base.
- Suckers that have woody stems should be cut using pruning shears as close to the main tree as possible.
Step 6. Decide what shape you want, open, solid, or shaped like a fence
The shape also depends on the type of lemon tree you have. A potted lemon tree will produce more fruit if you use an open shape, while some people may prefer a thicker shape.
Traditional pruning results in a tree that is larger at the bottom than at the top. This shape makes every part of the tree get even sunlight
Step 7. See the shape and balance of the tree as a whole
If the tree has more stems on one side, trim the heavier side to balance.
Step 8. Cut the stems at the bottom of the trunk so the tree has one strong middle trunk
Step 9. Choose two or three stalks of the main scaffold that you will prepare for producing fruit
Step 10. Cut the center of the base of the stem
This will open the center of the tree.
Step 11. Cut the ends of the main stem
This will encourage the stem to grow thicker and stronger. After a few seasons of growth, concentrate on the main stem you have selected, cut as needed, and allow the second stem to grow from the main stem. Cut any parts that are not strong or that prevent sunlight from entering the tree.
Step 12. Reduce fruit by picking them so the tree produces larger fruit and encourages canopy growth on young trees
Trees should not produce fruit until when the tree is mature (between 3 and 4 years).
