Author Topic: pruning or staking very long branches  (Read 595 times)

incubator01

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pruning or staking very long branches
« on: August 29, 2022, 11:50:36 AM »
So some of my citrus in full ground (greenhouse) have grown a nice umbrella shaped branch structure, which is apparently ideal, but the branches (some of them) are only 20° upwards, so quite horizontal. But they're also very long.
This particular branch just had a new growth flush and autumn is coming so I'm not going to prune it off now, but in general I would like to encourage it to grow this branch a bit more upward.

Either pruning off part of it can help or staking, but since staking is not a good idea (it can damage the branch if done incorrectly or prevent the branch from getting strong enough)

So I'm looking for opinions, tips, best practices.

Reasons why that branch is too long is it is growing outside its allowed borders and penetrating my middle walkway.

Millet

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Re: pruning or staking very long branches
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2022, 05:15:24 PM »
You can prune the branch, it is not a problem.  As fruit grows on new growth, it might not fruit for a year.

incubator01

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Re: pruning or staking very long branches
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2022, 05:56:02 PM »
You can prune the branch, it is not a problem.  As fruit grows on new growth, it might not fruit for a year.

Well it's too young to fruit, but I should have looked at it before posting this, because of the change in the sun's position the branch curled up and a little back, it's still very green and pliable so I might leave it alone for now, if it grows up in an umbrella shape it's fine by me, otherwise I'll definitely prune it a bit like youe said, thanks :)