The lemon tree is a fruit tree of the Rutaceae family. Originally from Asia, it has the peculiarity of producing fruit several times a year. The flowering of the lemon tree gives very fragrant white or pink flowers. To increase lemon production and protect your fruit tree from disease risks, it is important to prune it. Find out how.

To promote fruiting on your lemon tree and keep your fruit tree healthy, pruning is essential. You still need to know when and how to successfully prune your lemon tree.

How to successfully prune the lemon tree?

To optimize fruit production and maintain balanced foliage of the lemon tree, it should be pruned.

The 3 different sizes of the lemon tree

The lemon tree undergoes 3 types of pruning:

–  Training pruning:   it is carried out on the tree   when it is still young   to give it an aesthetic shape. This size is intended to prepare the branches that will support the growth of the tree and give it its shape.

–  Maintenance pruning:   carried out when the tree is forming. This pruning can be done every 2 years. Renew the stems and remove any dead wood or branches that protrude from the structure of the lemon tree   to maintain its shape.   In this way, you promote air circulation in your lemon tree and help it   capture light better.   It is best to carry out this pruning after fruiting, so as not to harm the harvest.

–  Fruiting pruning:   it is carried out when the lemon tree is more than 3 years old and   aims to improve citrus production.

The ideal times to prune the lemon tree

The 3 periods in which you can prune your fruit tree are: at the end of winter, after fruiting, that is, at the end of fruiting, and before flowering. On the other hand, you can prune your lemon tree   a month after the appearance of new shoots   because, as explained above, the lemon tree bears fruit several times a year. In fact, it can produce fruits and flowers for up to 8 out of 12 months.

The method to prune the lemon tree.

To prune your lemon tree, you must   provide yourself with sharp,   clean and disinfected pruning shears . This will make clean cuts that will heal quickly and prevent the spread of disease. Then remove branches that damage the structure and shape of your lemon tree. In fact, when pruning the lemon tree, the first thing to pay attention to   is the shape of the citrus tree. 

For the trunk of the tree, pruning will be used in this case to recreate the carpenters. A bole tree is a fruit tree whose trunk measures between 1.20 and 2 meters high. As for carpenters, they designate the strong branches that start directly from the trunk and on which branches, twigs or flower buds develop. You should know that   the carpenter branches must be preserved when pruning the lemon tree.   That said, when pruning your fruit tree, cut off any branches that are too low, being careful to remove all branches. Also, make sure the branches do not cross. Also cut off the twigs in the center to aerate your lemon tree and  promote the development of woodpecker branches.

Also, when pruning your tree, be careful not to cut into the leaf axils. This is where the buds are that will give new shoots. Also remember   to remove the greedy ones.   The latter are branches or stems that grow from the trunk, but are not productive. In addition to this, they prevent sap from circulating in the productive stems and branches.  It is advisable to pinch them as soon as they appear  , to prevent their development. This way you can promote the development of fruit branches.

How to maintain a lemon tree?

Growing lemon trees is easy. This fruit tree can be grown in the ground or in pots. As it is not very resistant, it is important to protect it from the cold. The lemon tree is an acid-loving plant that appreciates slightly acidic but also well-drained soil   .   Water your fruit tree with non-calcareous, room temperature water, such as spring water. Only water the soil when it is dry   to avoid root rot.   Since citrus trees appreciate the sun, give your lemon tree light exposure for 7 to 8 hours a day.

To improve the fruiting of your bush, fertilize it with a special fertilizer for citrus fruits every 15 days during its growth period. Also remember to protect your fruit tree from parasites and pests that plague it. We cite as examples the mealybug that leaves whitish deposits on the foliage, the aphids that deform the leaves, or the moniliosis, which is   a fungus that rots the lemon tree.

That said, by controlling the size of your lemon tree, you will not only help it develop healthily, but you will also encourage fruiting and enjoy an abundant harvest.