As a rule, growth is maximized and wound closure is fastest if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush. Heavy pruning just after the spring growth flush should be avoided as trees have just expended a great deal of energy to produce foliage and early shoot growth and pruning can stress the tree.

Pruning cycles will depend on quality of nursery stock, growth rate, climate and species and should be shorter in warmer climates. Longer pruning cycles can lead to larger cuts having to be made to correct structural issues. A suggested program would be to prune at planting, year two or three, year five or six, year ten and year fifteen.

Because each cut has the potential to change the growth of the tree, no branch should be removed without a reason. Pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch collar. The branch collar contains trunk or parent branch tissue and should not be damaged or removed.

Begin by determining pruning cycle and dose to develop a permanent canopy. Prioritize trees with structural issues and then temporary vs. permanent branch management.

Pruning techniques include the following:

1. Cleaning is the removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, weakly attached, low-vigor branches from the crown of a tree.
2. Thinning is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown. Thinning opens the foliage of a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and helps retain the tree’s natural shape.
3. Raising removes the lower branches from a tree in order to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas.
4. Reduction reduces the size of a tree often for clearance for utility lines. Reducing the height or spread of a tree is best accomplished by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to lateral branches that are large enough to assume the terminal roles (at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem).

If a large limb is to be removed, its weight should first be reduced. This is done by making an undercut about 12 to 18 inches from the limb’s point of attachment. Make a second cut from the top, directly above or a few inches farther out on the limb. Doing so removes the limb, leaving the 12- to 18-inch stub. Remove the stub by cutting back to the branch collar. This technique reduces the possibility of tearing the bark.

There are many details to consider when pruning in addition to how the tree looks and fits within it’s environment. The short term as well as long term health of the tree should always be considered with each cut.

Planting trees can take place any time throughout the year. It is important first to take a good look at the location you have chosen. Is there enough room for proper development of the tree canopy and roots? Are you putting the right tree in the right place? Are you too close to utilities, buildings or sidewalks? It’s important to call 1-800-STAKE IT 48-72 hours before digging. Blue Stake will locate the underground wires and mark them with paint.

Prior to planting, perform a percolation test by digging a hole and filling with water. If the water drains less than 1” per hour, you may need to dig through the underlying hardpan. It is common to run into layer of hardened calcium carbonate called caliche in our desert soils. It is impenetrable, preventing the movement of water. You will need to drill through this layer on either side of the planting area to allow for drainage. Locate existing irrigation or install the needed irrigation to insure proper watering.

Shallow is better than deep when it comes to digging a hole. A hole 3 times the diameter of the root ball it recommended. The larger the hole the greater anticipated root growth. The depth of the hole should be less than the height of the root ball about 10% especially in compacted or clay soils. Pre wetting soil will help to keep the plant alive the first day.

Find the trunk flare (root flare, root crown). The flare is the swelling where the roots join the trunk.

Remove soil and planting media until the top of the root ball is visible. Often soil and mulches are several inches deep in the top of containers. Gently press on the container to remove and place root ball in hole. Make 2-4 slices about ½ inch deep from the top to the bottom of the container. The roots will regrow into the backfill. Girdling or circling roots need to be cut with a knife especially at the bottom.

Place the root flare slightly above the soil surface. Better to plant about 10% high than level or deep. Be sure to check from all sides to see if the trunk is straight.

We recommend minimal pruning. Only remove dead or broken branches. Back fill soil using shovel blade or water to release trapped air. Cover the back fill with mulch at least out to the drip line, 2” if rock, 3-4” if organic. Stake the tree only if it is necessary. Primary staking is common because plants aren’t able to spread roots in nursery containers and should be considered temporary.

Sit back and enjoy your beautiful tree.

Citrus trees are favored plants in desert landscaping. Hand-picked fresh citrus is a wonderful treat and easy to grow. Unlike deciduous trees, this evergreen shrub will retain the majority of its’ leaves year-round and, with proper care, will have a long life.

Growth begins in February as the weather warms and slows as the hot, dry summer progresses. A second flush occurs mid-August through October, ending with a dramatic slow down of growth during the winter months. To ensure that the variety you select will grow well in your area, we strongly suggest buying from a reputable local nursery that grows its own trees. Some varieties are hardier and require less nurturing.

The tree you select should have healthy, deep green leaves. The trunk should be straight and the tree should be able to support itself without a stake. It takes a lot of energy for a young tree to grow fruit so it is best to select a tree with little or no fruit or harvest after planting. A newly planted tree will need to conserve energy as it grows new roots and leaves.

Good cultural practices are all that is required to keep insects and diseases to a minimum. If the trees are healthy, insects are seldom a problem. Occasionally fruit can be damaged or scared, but rarely is the health of the tree affected.

Some citrus, mainly lemons and limes, can flower all year long, but the majority of flower production occurs in late February through March. Producing thousands of fragrant blossoms is nature’s way of attracting insects that pollinate the maximum number of flowers possible.

Depending on the variety, a citrus tree is capable of producing anywhere from 1 to 1000 pounds of fruit per season. Fruit will ripen over a period of 3 ­ 4 months. and should be allowed to ripen on the tree. The longer the fruit stays on the tree, the sweeter and less acidic it will be. With proper care, cultural practices, and favorable root stock, a citrus tree is capable of producing fruit in excess of 50 years.

Proper watering is essential. Mature trees watered with drip or microsprinkler irrigation should also be watered at these intervals. It is important to apply water at the canopy edge and 1 foot beyond where the roots and growing tips are absorbing water and nutrient.

Citrus are heavy nitrogen feeders and fertilization becomes necessary after a tree had been planted for 2 years. Citrus trees should be fertilized 3 times a year during January, April and August. It is important to incorporate and water when fertilizing.

Annual requirements in pounds for fertilizer after planting:

Citrus can be infected by a number of diseases. Phytoph-thora is the most serious affecting the lower plant. This fungus is present in your soil and is most active in wet, over-watered soils. Frost protection is necessary if temperatures drop below 32 degrees.