However, you can pinch back the tips of some vigorous branches and this can encourage further branching. Pruning at that point in the year will risk hampering the lemon harvest. Never prune lemon trees while they are flowering or producing fruit during the warm summer months. You can prune lemon trees when they are flowering, however, even in warmer climates, prune in winter or spring and refrain from pruning in the hottest months.

If you live in a warmer zone then the tree may continue flowering and fruiting throughout the winter months. Lemon trees are one of the best fruit trees as they can flower and fruit year-round in warmer climates. (Image credit: Future) When to prune lemon trees in warmer climates An ideal pair of pruning shears for pruning lemon trees is the Felco Ergonomic Hand Pruner available on Amazon (opens in new tab).

Cleaning garden tools, including pruning shears, can be a quick and simple job and will make pruning easier and safer for your plants. Prior to doing any pruning, make sure to clean and sharpen pruning shears as blunt blades can leave your lemon trees at risk of infection. As well as keeping them looking neat, the tree will respond to the pruning by producing more flower buds, which in turn can reward you with more fruit.

In spring you prune to maintain the neat shape you are aiming for - lemon trees can be clipped in various shapes, including round-shaped, bushy, or as standard trees for a more formal garden design – and thin out the center of the plant to allow light and air to get in. Assessing the tree at this stage, where growth is just starting, means you can best consider the shape and structure you are aiming for by pruning. You can prune lemon trees all the way through to early spring, when they are starting to grow. Citrus trees will enter their period of dormancy at the end of the growing season and this is the earliest you can consider pruning them.

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