Question
QUESTION: Hello, I bought a small lemon tree 8 years ago.  It was about 6 inches high.  It is now 8 feet high but with only the main stem coming up, ie it is not bushy at all.  Do I need to prune it to make it gain some shape?  And how long should it take for me to see my first lemon.
Thanks,
Bill

ANSWER: Hi Bill,
Thanx for your question.  I would keep cutting back the cenral growing point and not allow the tree to get any taller.  This should encourage the plant to grow bushier.  I would think you would have seen some fruit by now. I put my citrus out as soon as all danger of frost has passed and almost always get at least a few fruit.  If you're not putting your tree outdoors during nice weather, do so and I think you'll get fruit although it is possible to get fruit indoors.  Be sure to bring the tree indoors before the first frost.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in Western Washington, which is only warm a few months a year, do I keep it out in the spring and fall even if it is not warm, but above freezing?
And thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Bill,
Thanx for your question.  Your area is quite rainy and cool so you won't want to put the lemon tree outdoors except in the summertime.  I'm guessing June, July and August.  If it's going to be in the 60s and 70s, that's fine.  At night 50s are even fine but I wouldn't bother if it is any cooler than that.  I hope this helps.
Tom