Tip #1 – Prune at the right time of year: The best time of year to prune dwarf lemon tree branches can change depending on which geographical location you live in. But most of North America will prune their fruit trees sometime between January and March. Pruning your tree too late in the season can cause unnecessary stress to the root system which will affect the trees ability to grow worthwhile fruit.

Tip #2 – Sharpen your Tools: Sharp and clean tools are essential when caring for and pruning dwarf lemon trees. To make sure that your tools do not carry a disease from one plant to another sterilize the blades using an alcoholic wipe.

Tip #3 – Remove the right branches: One of the most important points to consider when planning to prune dwarf lemon tree branches is that you want as much sunlight as possible to reach the center of the tree. For this reason, the first branches to remove are those which cross over the center and seem to be blocking the trees trunk. Once you have removed all of the intrusive branches you will also want to prune any sick, marked or dying branches.

Tip #4 – Cut the branches properly: To prune dwarf lemon tree branches properly you will need both a pair of sharp pruning shears as well as a pruning saw. To remove the branches make a smooth, continuous vertical cut as close to the trunk as possible. If you are unable to simply snip the branch with sheers, carefully saw the branch off without ripping the trunk bark.

The scion contains the genes that you want to be reproduced by the stock plant. Budding, awl, veneer, cleft and stub are all different types of grafting.

The most common citrus tree grafting style is bud grafting or budding. This is also a good type of graft for beginning growers. The first step in bud grafting is to choose your scion and stock trees. Be sure to use sturdy, healthy trees. The basic procedure is to cut a bud and some bark from the scion tree and then insert it beneath the bark of the stock tree.

The best period for collecting the bud wood or donor wood is between April and November. Collect 8-12 in. lengths of budded twigs from the scion tree but be sure not to cut the most recent growth. The bud wood should be grafted as soon as possible but can be stored for up to three months in the freezer if necessary.

There are different bud grafting styles including shield budding, patch, double shield, flute and chip budding. A common choice for citrus tree grafting is the inverted T. If you chose the T-graft style, your next step is to cut an upside down T into the bark of your stock tree a few inches above the soil line. Then take one of your buds and insert it under the cuts in the bark and wrap with bud tape several times. The bud tape should be removed within 30 days.

Be sure to monitor the graft to ensure that the union is successful and that the bud begins to grow.

Minerals: A very common mistake that most gardeners make is to assume that all trees have the same needs when it comes to fertilizers. However, the truth is most brands of tree fertilizer are not sufficient citrus tree food. Citrus species all need micronutrients and they need a lot of them to grow and produce healthy fruit. Your citrus tree will also need base minerals such as phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. But in addition to these it will also need other more specific minerals such as copper, boron, magnesium and zinc.

Mycorrhizal Fungi: This healthy fungus is what helps a tree pull nutrients from the soil. You may not need to add it into your soil if your citrus tree is planted in close proximity to other larger trees. However, if you are one of the many that are planting their tree into a container, then you will have to add the fungi. Mycorrhizal fungi can also be added again at a later date to improve your citrus tree food in the cooler months.

Iron Tablets: There is also one last element that is important to add to your citrus tree food and that is iron. To predict potential iron deficiency you will have to look closely at your citrus tree’s leaves. If they are pale yellow and seem to stop growing soon after they appear then you may have to add iron to your soil. Another way to check iron amounts is to test the PH level in your soil. If your soil reads as seven or higher, then you soil is too alkaline and your tree is not benefiting for the nutrients in your soil. If this is the case simply add some iron caplets to your soil.

In large orchards, citrus trees are grown as huge shrubs, with their branches being low to the ground. For the home grower living in a sunny area, that is also a good idea as it will produce a large harvest. But, if you live in a humid area, remove the lower branches to fight disease and fungus.

When pruning citrus trees, you do not need any large or special equipment. If you have unwanted new growth, simply snap them off with your fingers. For small stems and large wood, you can use hand pruners or even a pruning saw.

When pruning indoor citrus trees, you should prune when they have finished with their blossoms, and before they produce fruit. You can prune by hand, being sure to trim just a little bit at a time.

Fruit thinning of your citrus trees will also help promote canopy growth in your young trees.

Citrus fruit trees sometimes have a large fruit crop one year, and then a small fruit crop the next. Fruit thinning will help take care of this problem and give you a great fruit crop each year.

The easiest way to remove small citrus fruit, is just to pinch the small stem and twist it off.  Be sure NOT to remove more than 15% of the fruit as anything over that amount will greatly affect your tree.

Tip #1: Add Animal Manure or Seaweed Fertilizer

Animal manure, especially chicken manure is extremely high in nitrogen and potassium, two things that hungry citrus trees love to have in their soil. You can also try a seaweed fertilizer if you are uncomfortable with animal manure. Also, if you find your tree is a bit picky about its soil and planting location try adding some potash to balance all of your soil nutrients.

Tip #2: Location, Location, Location

Though organic citrus care involves many different elements such as plant food, pest control and fertilization, there are also other, more simple points to consider. One of the most important is the planting location. To successfully produce organic fruit you must choose a location where the tree will receive at least eight hours of direct sun each and every day.

Tip #3: Pesticide-Free Pest Removal

The one thing that sets organic citrus care apart from other gardening styles is the avoidance of pesticides. If you are worried about your trees and the number of harmful pests in your region consider releasing some ladybugs into your garden. They will keep the number of aphids down and as a result will lower the number of illness and diseases.

Tip #4: Set a schedule

It is important when considering organic citrus care to become familiar with your trees seasonal changes and needs. For example, while growing fruit your tree will need extra amendments added to the soil and will need new, fresh fertilizer every other day. To stay organized develop a weekly schedule that outlines the different amounts and types of manure, nutrients and fertilizers you’ve used.

First, the proper type of fertilizer is important. Citrus trees thrive in sandy soils, and this soil does not hold nutrients well. Also, citrus trees can not use the ordinary plant fertilizer. You will need to use fertilizers specific for citrus trees, which are a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, along with small amounts of 10 other ingredients.

Second, figure how much fertilizer to use. The amount is determined by the nitrogen content of the fertilizer. New citrus trees should get 2 ounces of nitrogen, then increased by 4 ounces each year. Established trees can use 1 to 1 – 1/2 pounds of nitrogen yearly.

To determine the nitrogen quantity in your fertilizer, multiply the weight of the fertilizer by the percentage of total nitrogen on the label. Two cups of granular fertilizer equals approximately one pound.

Third, determine when to use citrus tree fertilizer. If you have a young citrus tree and it needs a healthy root system, it will need to be fertilized eight times in the first year.

If you have an established fruit bearing citrus tree, it should be fertilized three times a year – usually in March, May and then October.

Also, try and spray your citrus tree with a citrus nutritional spray each month, from February to October. This will help balance the micro nutrients and give the foliage a lush look.

Use these recommendations, along with using a quality fertilizer, and your citrus tree will reward you with sweet fruit and luscious leaves.

1. Do not mulch around your tree. Mulching can lead to disease and insect damage.

2. Only use fertilizers created specifically for citrus trees. The ordinary plant fertilizer will not give your tree the proper balance.

3. Never fertilize a citrus tree when it is in bloom. This will cause the blossoms to fall off.

4. Prune your tree after your citrus fruit has been harvested and then only remove dead branches.

5. Keep your citrus tree branches off the ground, as this will help defeat disease and fungus.

6. Water your tree about once a week. It should be a deep watering and the soil should drain well.

7. When you by a tree, be sure it has deep green and glossy leaves. Do not buy a tree with yellowing leaves, rotting stems or signs of pests.

8. If planting your tree in the ground, be sure to wait until the last frost has passed. Plant it in a sunny location and in fertile soil.

9. Indoor citrus trees need a lot of humidity, so be sure to mist them daily.

10. If you indoor tree is not blooming, there might not be enough sunlight, or the container might be too large.

When caring for citrus trees it is important to have all of the appropriate tools and products. One of the best ways to stay organized is to make up your own citrus health care kits which include all of the necessary tree essentials.

If you are one of the many people who love to grow their own citrus fruit and enjoy the time, patience and commitment it takes to care for fruit bearing plants then continue reading and find out how to make your own citrus health kits.

Pruning shears: This is of course one of the most important tools to include in your citrus health kit. Proper pruning and trimming is necessary to ensure health, steady growth as well as root structure and fruit development. When preparing your kit make sure to have a pair of sharp and reliable sheers which are capable of trimming all sizes and thicknesses of branch.

Mycorrhizal Treatment: Most mycorrhizal sprays contain living fungi which when applied to soil will assist both new and mature trees to colonize their root systems and will provide excellent soil conditions. These busy little fungi will in exchange for food bring nutrients and water to the tree’s roots.

Misting hose attachment: Water is essential for citrus health and can mean the difference between fresh, unspoiled fruit and dried, useless blossoms. When building your kit consider purchasing a misting attachment for your hose which will allow for you to gently water the upper branches and leaves of your tree.

Fertilizer tablets: All citrus tree varieties will thrive when given the appropriate amount of fertilizer. The most convenient way to ensure your tree is getting enough nutrients is to use commercial fertilizer tablets. These essential citrus products are easy to use and one tablet is often enough to nourish a tree for an entire year.

And finally, the last product to include in your citrus health kit is a Biostimulant. This dry, water soluble product contains everything needed to stimulate root growth and tree strength. Most citrus tree biostimulants will include humic acid extracts, amino acids, yucca plant extracts as well as sea kelp, beneficial bacteria and living fungi.