How to prune lemons (with pictures)

Lemon pruning time

Lemons can be pruned several times a year. The best time for pruning is in winter and spring, from the time the lemons are harvested to before the spring shoots sprout in the following spring. If it is an area with relatively low temperatures, pruning can be done after the temperature rises in spring but before the spring shoots sprout. Timely pruning can better expand the crown and increase lemon yields.

How to prune lemons

1. Pruning during dormancy

Lemons need to be pruned during their winter dormancy period, mainly to cut off diseased and insect-infested branches, dead branches, and weak branches. Dead and diseased leaves can also be cleaned up while pruning, and then burned in a concentrated manner to avoid bacterial infection. Note that in areas with lower temperatures in winter, pruning needs to be delayed until spring.

2. Pruning during the growing season

Pruning during the growing season of lemon mainly includes summer pruning and flowering pruning. In summer, bud removal, pinching and short pruning can be performed to control the height of the plant, inhibit the crazy growth of branches, promote the growth of side branches, and promote the development of fruits.

During the flowering period of lemon, some flower branches should be cut off. Generally, the flower branches that have not grown leaves should be cut off to avoid nutrient consumption. When pruning during the growth period, disinfectant should be applied to the incision to avoid diseases and pests.