When To Prune Citrus Tree in California

It is recommended that citrus trees in California be pruned during the spring, after the threat of frost has passed and before the onset of intense summer heat.

This is typically done once the tree has completed its fruiting cycle and, ideally, before the onset of flowering.

However, it is important to note that the optimal pruning schedule may vary depending on the specific region of California in which the tree is located.

Understanding the Best Timing for Your Region

California’s climate is pretty diverse, from coastal areas to mountain ranges. And because of that, the state is home to many different USDA plant hardiness zones, from 11a in the south to 3b in the mountains.

When it comes to pruning your citrus tree, the best time to do it depends on where you live. California can be divided into three main regions: Northern California (NorCal), Central California, and Southern California (SoCal).

NorCal covers a huge area, from the San Francisco Bay Area down to the south of the Cascade Range. Central California includes places like Delano, Modesto, and Fresno.

And if you live in SoCal, you’re in the southern part of the state, which includes places like LA, San Diego, and Orange County.

So it’s important to remember where you live when deciding the best time to prune your citrus tree.

When to Prune Citrus Trees in Southern California

When it comes to pruning citrus trees in Southern California, it’s all about timing! We’re lucky to have more consistent and mild weather here, which means our trees can grow year-round.

But that also means we might have to do more pruning than our NorCal friends.

The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, after the harvest season and before blooming.

So, if you’re in Northern California, you’ll want to start pruning around February to April.

But keep in mind that different types of citrus may have different pruning schedules. For example, mandarins can be pruned as early as January, while lemons might need a slightly later start in February. (Source)

Also, remember that young trees need more frequent pruning to establish their shape, while mature trees (over two years old) should be pruned less often to avoid pests and disease.

Be sure to prune the water sprouts and suckers at the tree’s base more frequently, but avoid pruning during the fruiting season.

And whatever you do, don’t prune during the cold spell and in the extreme heat of summer! The tree’s branches are storing energy for the next budding season.

Always remember to wear sunscreen when pruning your citrus tree. Southern California is famous for its sunny weather. You want to avoid ending up with sunburn while pruning your citrus tree!

When to Prune Citrus Trees in Northern California

Pruning your citrus trees in your region can be tricky because of the colder weather and fluctuating temperatures. 

First, since the winter season lasts longer here than in Southern California, it’s best to delay pruning until later in the year.

Late February, March, or even April is an excellent time to start pruning in the northernmost parts of the state.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to prune during the summer, that is also a good option. The reason is that the heat won’t be as much of an issue and won’t impact fruit production later in the year.

Don’t forget to remove any suckers growing at the tree’s base when pruning. These can drain valuable water and nutrients and slow down growth. Aim to prune suckers at least once a month to keep them in check.

When to Prune Citrus Trees in Central California

You’re in a unique spot for pruning your citrus trees. Being geographically and climatically between NorCal and SoCal, you have to consider a little bit of everything.

In some valley areas, you may not see winter frost, but the summer heat can impact fruit yield and the health of your pruned citrus trees.

So, to achieve the best results, starting pruning your West California citrus trees in February through April is best.

To help you out, here’s a quick summary of when to prune citrus trees in California:

Region	Best Time to Prune
Northern California	Late February – April (depending on location)
Central California	February – April
Southern California	Late winter – early spring (February – April)

What You Need to Prune a Citrus Tree

What you need for pruning a citrus tree includes:

• Secateurs or hand pruners.
• Loppers (Great for lopping branches thicker than half an inch in diameter)
• A pruning saw.
• A pole pruner, which may help prune larger citrus.
• Disinfecting solution – Rubbing alcohol (at least 70% isopropyl alcohol) or 10% bleach solution should work.

How to Prune Citrus Tree (Steps)

1. Sterilize your pruning tools: Clean them with rubbing alcohol or a mixture of water and bleach to prevent spreading of disease.
2. Cut off dead, diseased, or damaged branches: Prune these back to the point of healthy growth or back to the trunk.
3. Thin out crowded branches: This will increase airflow and light penetration and improve fruit production.
4. Remove the suckers: These shoots take energy away from fruit production, so it’s best to remove them.
5. Don’t prune more than 25% of the canopy in one year: This will prevent shock and reduce the risk of pests and disease. Make clean cuts with sharp tools and avoid tearing bark or leaving jagged edges.
6. Take proper care after pruning: Water well and consider applying a balanced fertilizer for citrus trees according to package instructions to help the tree recover and promote new growth.

How Far Back Can You Prune A Citrus Tree?

It’s essential to be strategic one thing to remember is to cut as close to the trunk as possible. This will help promote new growth and keep the tree neat and tidy.

But it’s important not to overdo it! I highly recommend not pruning more than 25% of the citrus tree’s canopy in a given year.

You should aim to prune only 15% of the canopy if it’s a mature tree. This will help prevent the tree from going into shock and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

When pruning, removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches is crucial. Thinning out crowded branches can also help increase airflow and light penetration, which is essential for the tree’s health.

And don’t forget to remove suckers and water sprouts; they can drain valuable water and nutrients from the tree.

As you prune, use a clean, sharp blade and always make cuts toward the citrus. This will help promote healthy healing and growth.

And remember, pruning citrus trees is not just about aesthetics; it’s about the tree’s overall health and well-being. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Pruning Lemon Trees

• During the dead of summer: Pruning during the year’s hottest months can stress the tree and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
• Just after planting: It is generally best to wait at least one growing season before pruning a newly planted lemon tree. This allows the tree to establish its root system and become established before removing any branches.
• When your lemon is already stressed: If a lemon tree is already under stress from pests, diseases, or other environmental factors, it is best to wait until it recovers before pruning. The same goes for when it’s drought-stressed. 

Can I Cut The Top Off My Lemon Tree?

You should avoid “topping” your lemon tree, as it can be fatal to the tree. If you must hard prune your tree, it is best to prune at most 50% of the branches. It is essential to wait until after harvest to do so.