How to prune a lemon tree so that it will bear fruit?

Lemon trees are fruit trees planted by many people. Pruning is very important during the management process. Only if pruned well can they bloom and bear fruit in the second year. So how should lemon trees be pruned to make them bear fruit? Let’s learn about pruning methods below.

1. Pruning time

The pruning time of lemon trees is mainly concentrated in two periods: the growing period and the dormant period. Pruning during the growing season is mainly carried out in spring, when the lemon trees are growing vigorously and pruning can promote better branching and growth. Dormant pruning is done from late autumn to winter, which helps the tree store nutrients and lay a good foundation for next year's growth.

2. Trimming tools

When pruning a lemon tree, you need to prepare some basic pruning tools, such as scissors , saws, pruning shears, etc. Make sure the tools are sharp to reduce damage to the tree.

3. Pruning young trees

The lemon tree plant has been grown from a seedling through pruning. This plant is very easy to prune. Just make small adjustments during pruning and there is no need for heavy pruning. The thin and weak branches, parallel branches and crossing branches inside the crown can be cut off. The branches that grow longer than 30 cm should be shortened or left with 2-3 buds, and the upper ones should be cut off. Make the tree crown form a more symmetrical shape, which is ventilated, light-transmitting and beautiful.

4. Fruit tree pruning

(1) Thin and weak branches: Lemons have a characteristic when flowering and bearing fruit. They only bloom after the tops of the branches that year have aged. Every year, the lemons bloom from the tops of the branches. Most of the branches that have become hard and old will bloom and bear fruit. If thin and weak branches grow at the bottom, they should be cut off. The upper branches and leaves will block the flowers, making it impossible for them to bloom later. Even if they bloom and bear fruit, too many nutrients will be consumed at the bottom, resulting in no growth at the top.

(2) Dead and diseased branches: Check the lemon tree and remove dead, diseased and cross-growing branches in time to keep the tree healthy.

(3) Overcrowded branches: For branches that grow too densely, appropriate thinning should be carried out to allow the tree to be ventilated and light-permeable, which is conducive to the growth and coloring of the fruit.

(4) Cultivate main branches and side branches: In the early growth stage of the lemon tree, pay attention to cultivating the main branches and side branches to form a good tree structure.

5. Notes

The wounds after pruning should be treated in time, and some wound healing agents can be applied to prevent the invasion of diseases and pests. After pruning, the lemon tree needs to be managed more strictly, and fertilized and watered in time to promote its rapid recovery of growth.

That’s it