Should I prune this?

10 years ago

Hi everyone. Over the winter my Kaffir lime got a little over anxious and put out a pretty decent growth spurt on one side. The problem is its a little lopsided and leggy. I was wondering if you think I should prune it back to where the leaves are closer together? Of course the leaves won't go to waste :) also should I put something around the trunk to protect it from the sun?

Thanks!

Kristopher

Comments (6)

citrange2
10 years ago
I would put in a tall cane or other straight support and tie the long growth to it at several points. This will then become the main trunk which will eventually harden and become self-supporting.
johnmerr
10 years ago
Prune off at least half of the horizontal branch, at a node that will produce vertical growth. Paint the trunk with cheap white latex paint diluted 1 to 1 with water to prevent sunburn. Enjoy the leaves. Remember to rotate your pot every cupla weeks when you think about it to get a more balanced tree.
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poncirusguy6b452xx
10 years ago
If this tree is grown from seed, I would not prune it. My Poncirus grew like that and i used a politician sign support steel wire to support the tree. After 5 months it is now self supporting,

Johnmerr

thanks for the paint advice I believe my tree needs it to, as my tree lost most it's leaves

steve
krismast
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks everyone!

Steve, this tree isn't from seed. It was a grafted tree from four winds.

John, thank you very much for the advice. I will need to pick up some paint today!

Kristopher
baconquest
10 years ago
Kristopher,

I got a kaffir about 2 months ago and it looks EXACTLY like this! Mine is grafted, and its starting to put out new growth. I was waiting to prune mostly out of laziness, but also to wait for the tree to start showing some signs of active growth. Looking forward to seeing your results.
poncirusguy6b452xx
10 years ago
Just clip the terminal bud. That way you will not though out valuable leaves and truck. The tree will automatically send out a bunch of new shoots and will fill out the tree from top to lower. It should look very nice at the end of the year.

I lost the top of my tree to accident and it is really filling out with expanding buds.

See pics
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potted meiwa tree from seed

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top view buds expanding

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next section potted meiwa tree

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middle section

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lower middle

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upper base view

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Base of potted meiwa kumquat tree from seed

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