When to Prune Citrus Trees in Australia

March 7, 2022 | Posted by | in Palm Cleaning, Tree Surgery

Having an established citrus tree in your yard is aesthetically pleasing. It also offers the practical comfort of having a food-bearing plant at arm's length. To ensure the long life of your tree, you need to care for your plant year-round, which includes pruning branches at least once a year. Late winter and early spring are the best times for pruning trees in Australia.

Here are a few tips on adequately pruning the tree without causing damage and ensuring a good harvest for the upcoming season.

1. Skirt your tree

When examining your plant, you may notice small branches growing at the bottom of the tree. These should be cut off. This ensures the tree is using its energy to produce fruit at the top of the canopy. It also helps to protect the plant from pests who would use lower branches to climb on the tree. It also stops it from picking up diseases hiding in the soil.

2. A little off the top

This is more of an aesthetic measure compared to skirting. Here, you will take branches from the top of the tree to create and maintain a pleasing symmetrical shape. But a warning, don't overdo it. Cutting too much off will damage the tree and cause a poor harvest.

3. Look inward

Hunt for branches with the three ds (damage, disease and death) when looking into the plant's body. Naturally, this will promote continued growth and health. Also, many persons overlook identifying spots where two branches are touching or rubbing. These spots need to be pruned. Rubbing branches expose the area under the plant's bark. This makes it more susceptible to infections.

4. Search for pests

While pruning, make sure you keep an eye out for pesky bugs. Here in New South Wales common citrus pests are scale insects, fruit flies, and aphids.

5. Make sure it’s eating well

While you are up close and personal with your tree, take the opportunity to see whether it's getting all the nutrients it needs. Citrus trees commonly experience nitrogen, magnesium, manganese or zinc deficiencies. Look for pale or yellow leaves as signs that you may need to fertilise the plant on a more regular basis.

Contact Steve Cubis Tree Services Today!

If you would like an expert hand to take care of pruning your citrus trees, reach out to us at Steve Cubis Tree Services. We service the Lismore and Northern Rivers area and would be excited to take your call.