Q&A - ASK THE EXPERTS

Q - When should I prune citrus trees?

A - Unlike deciduous fruit trees, citrus trees do not need pruning to enhance fruit production, says Master Gardener Olin Miller. Limit pruning to the removal of dead, weak or crossing branches, sprouts and suckers, or branches that interfere with traffic. The best time to prune citrus trees is February through April. In the Phoenix area, prune in February through March. In higher elevations, prune March through April. Find details in University of Arizona’s publication Pruning Citrus at cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1455.pdf.