The Tropical Fruit Forum
Citrus => Citrus General Discussion => Topic started by: mattcolq on March 14, 2017, 11:20:27 AM
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I can't recall the specific posts, but I've read here on several occasions that trees store nutrients and energy in there limbs and that trees will reabsorb these nutrients into other parts of the tree before letting a branch die due to various reasons such as lack of light. I intend to prune several branches from a small potted tree, but I'd like to know if there is a way of safely cause the tree to send the nutrients to other areas before I chop off a branch. Could I just cover the branches I intend to remove with foil to remove light? Has anyone done this before?
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Mattcolq, why are you going to trim a potted citrus? Normally young citrus are not pruned. Is this tree one you grew from seed, or is it a grafted tree you purchased from a nursery?
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I used to work with bonsai and as we know, that is severely pruned branches and roots of potted plants/trees. I've never heard of covering a branch to send energy to the trunk/roots before pruning. Generally, when you cut a branch , the roots which have a balanced relationship with branches and leaves will degenerate somewhat since they don't get as much sugars produced in the leaves you cut off. Alternatively, if you chop the roots, some leaves may shrivel since they don't get as much water and nutrients from roots now. You want leaves and roots to be in balance for a healthy tree no matter if in ground, big pot , or small pot. Like Millet said, why cut the branch off? When we prune, it's for a reason.