congrats! Its always nice to hear when someones tree starts doing well. One thing to keep in mind is that most time citrus grow in cycles meaning top growth then root growth. Not necessarily in that order but you get the idea. So having said that since your tree just had a good flush of leaves it may not sprout new ones immediately after you cut the branch. It should regrow from the cut but dont get discouraged if it doesnt right away.

mike

redecoratingmom, I would wait to prune that branch. You may get more new leaf flush further down the branch. Can you post a photo in a message for us so we can actually see?

Patty S.

Hello! ;-)

I, too, would wait to prune until later in the Spring.
As Patty mentioned, more back-budding may occur. Also, those new leaves will mature
and begin making energy for the tree. Once the tree is in a fully vital state, prune with impugnity ;-)
And please do share pics.

Josh

Unlike some other trees, citrus stores its energy in the form of carbohydrates in the trunk and branches. When the tree is healthy and growing well, it can be pruned for shape or to remove damaged limbs. Mike is right about growth spurts; but first the roots grow, and after that the leaves and branches. Unless you think your "nearly naked" branch is just too ugly to tolerate, I would not prune it.

Not to go against the grain, but if were my tree I would cut it right now since it is just starting to push out new growth.

It doesn't matter what time of the year when I prune, but every time mine start to push new growth, the leaves come back in full force below the cut line. I have a feeling due to the unusual warm weather and your warm sun, your tree is getting ready to push new growth again and what a perfect time to NOT let it focus on your branch tips.

For many of us, a new flush of growth may not come until the 'spring', but for many exposing their trees to lots of sunlight and warmth, that starts now as in many of my trees in my greenhouse.

Mike