Orange Tree Pruning: [Dates, Ways to Do It and Tools]

What can you get from this item?

The time when the orange tree should be pruned.
The tools you need to do it right.
The reasons why it is important to prune orange trees from time to time.
The main points to keep in mind.

Enjoying large and juicy oranges is an activity that is loved all over the world. Orange is becoming more and more fashionable.

But for this result to occur, farmers apply all the correct measures to ensure that the harvests are better.

These actions range from planting to the process of pruning orange trees, which, although it may seem simple, has some important points that it is necessary to know.

You may also be interested in: The orange tree fertilizer.

Why prune orange?

The reasons that lead to pruning fruit trees are varied and can touch on elements such as aesthetics.

However, the main reason is to ensure that the tree is carrying out a correct distribution of nutrients.

When you have inoperative branches or shoots of other plants, they often use energy and nutrients that other more important branches and shoots also need. In this way, the tree’s energy distribution is less efficient.

For this reason, it is key that the orange tree can be pruned once a year.

When should orange tree pruning be carried out?

Avoid frost weather

The pruning of this citrus must be carried out in times that are far from possible frosts.

That is, warn the behavior of the climate and if temperatures are close to 0 °C, avoid pruning.

Avoid the flowering stage

But in addition to this, the stages in which the orange tree is carrying out its activity of flowering and fruit development should also be avoided.

The reason is that it is a time when there is a lot of internal activity within the plant and when a branch is cut, that sap will be lost.

The best time: early spring or late summer

With all this we can assume that the best time to prune orange trees is at the beginning of spring or at the end of summer.

Now, in terms of age, young orange trees that have not harvested can be pruned when necessary.

In the case of those that are already generating production, it will always be more favorable to wait until after the harvest is harvested.

What tools do we need to prune an orange tree?

The tools used to prune orange trees will vary depending on the characteristics of the branches with which they are working.

In the case of the simplest and thinnest, normal pruning shears will be used, which can be one or two-handed.

Some thicker branches will need the support of other types of tools such as axes or saws, which can apply more force.

In the case of thicker ones, or when you prefer to move faster, hedge trimmers will be the ideal tool.

Careful with this:Some varieties of orange trees have thorns or spikes on their branches. It is important to get some gloves to protect your hands from possible injuries or cuts.

See price

Having the proper equipment for this procedure is essential for pruning any tree, especially orange trees. We added some other recommended tools:

Anvil pruning shears: They are optimal for trimming woody branches. Use them on branches up to 10mm thick and make sure they are sharp and clean.
Ratchet shears – this tool is ideal for cutting branches up to 50mm thick. It usually comes with extendable handles that will help you reach high branches.
Pruning saw – will allow you to remove the thickest branches up to 90 mm. Using this saw will help you make a clean cut and will not harm the citrus.

See price

Pruning equipment should be sterilized after each use to ensure that diseases are not transmitted from one tree to another.

How to do it correctly?

In order for the pruning of the orange tree to be done correctly and to help the good behavior and health of the fruit tree, the following must be done:

Check with the naked eye all those branches that may be out of order with respect to the tree, such as those that have grown out of control or that are so low that they drag the fruits.
Determine the base structure of the orange tree that will be established by three main branches that will start from the trunk. These will be maintained throughout the life of the tree, so they must be very well chosen.
Check that there are no shoots on the tree plant or knots that have come out in the upper parts that may be preventing the normal flow of sap throughout the structure.

Pruning has different levels depending on the amount of plant material that is discarded.

However, they all have the same purpose, which is to ensure that the tree is in the best conditions to develop and bear fruit.

Although it can be perceived in some cases that the tree is becoming much smaller and that it is being damaged, in the end this will be an action that will renew and revitalize it.

At what distance can a citrus tree be pruned?

Never prune more than a third of the tree in a single year.

Start pruning your orange tree in its first year or two to train it to grow the way you want. Trees should be kept at a height of between two and three meters. To make it easier to harvest and care for them.

How can I keep my orange tree small?

The only way to keep them small is by pruning.

Pruning is essential to develop a smaller size. As intimidating as it is, don’t let the final size of the tree discourage you from keeping it small to fit your needs.