Question
I have 2 indoor lime trees that i set out on the porch in the summer months.  This is about half the year i live in southeast north carolina.  One is low and quite bushy the other is going up and stands about 6 feet tall.  Can i snip off the top of this one so it will bush out or how can i keep it from going to the ceiling?  If i can prune when should i do this and how much to keep it healthy?


Answer
Hi Mark,

Pruning trees to keep them shapely is as much art as science. Here are a few general rules that will you get started:

You can prune at any time of year, but during the warmer months is best.

The earlier in a tree's life that you start to prune, the easier it is to keep the shape that you desire.

No two trees grow in the same way so you have to be flexible.

When you prune back a branch or stem, the new growth will emerge just below where you made th pruning cut. Thus, to promote growth in the interior or lower portions of the tree, you have to prune back more toward the center.

Start by pruning off the branches that stick out the farthest from the overall canopy of the tree.

To simply maintain a shape that you have, it is best to trim off ends of branches periodically as they get a bit too long.

Practice and experimentation are essential. You may temporarily spoil the appearance of the tree by pruning in the wrong place, but you will not kill the tree or otherwise permanently damage it.

Observe the growth habit of your trees after they have been pruned. That will teach you a lot about how and where to prune the next time.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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