When Do You Prune Citrus Trees?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 04, 2020

Citrus trees growing in warm areas that are not exposed to frost should be pruned anytime from late winter to early spring. Citrus trees in cool, frost-prone areas should be pruned in mid to late spring so that there is no risk of frost damaging the tree.

Citrus trees do not need to be regularly pruned. Lightly prune citrus trees only when necessary, such as in the case of a tree that is growing too large, is growing beyond garden boundaries or has dead limbs that need to be removed. Limbs that are too close to the soil should be removed as well to prevent fungus growth. Over pruning citrus trees may affect their fruit-bearing capabilities as citrus trees bear the most fruit on the outer areas of the canopy.