This lemon tree needs to be trimmed

I was going to make an appointment to have it trimmed and pay $200 which would be worth it unless someone can give me some tips on how to trim it myself. I'd rather do it myself as this is something I enjoy doing, I just don't want to mess it up. The problem is that the tree is collapsing under its own weight. I know it's not the season to trim it but as its already falling apart on its own I decided it needs to be done this season. Any tips would be appreciated. I'll post a couple other angles. Thanks guys.

Another angle

And another

I am sure that there on places online that will give lemon pruning lessons. $200 is alot of lemons!!

Here is some info I found on a google search:

Lemon trees can be pruned at any time of the year. Try to avoid very hot weather.

1 Prune citrus almost any time from March to August, but just prior to blooming is best.

2 Remove dead, diseased or crisscrossing limbs to open the center of the tree. Use handheld bypass pruners on small branches; long-handled loppers or a pruning saw on larger ones.

3 Cut back branches that are getting too large or are in the way.

4 Paint any branches newly exposed to sun with diluted white latex paint - half water, half paint. This step will prevent sunburn to sensitive bark.

5 Prune lemons every year or two, cutting back new growth by about one-quarter to one-third. Otherwise, trees will get too large, and fruit will be hard to pick.

* Citrus trees can be pruned hard to keep them in bounds, but productivity will be reduced.
* Keep pruning shears sharp. They'll be much easier to use.
* Wait to prune frost-damaged trees until after new growth has shown the extent of the damage. This may take several months. Then remove dead branches, cutting back several inches into healthy wood.
* Pruning in late summer or early fall may encourage frost-sensitive new growth, which will be more susceptible to cold damage in the coming winter.
* Be careful with pruning equipment. It can cut you.

More Info:

Question:
The branches of my large tangerine tree are close to the breaking point due to too much fruit. How and when should I prune it? I live in central Texas and just picked all the fruit.

Answer:
The best time to prune a tangerine tree is just before the start of spring growth.

To rejuvenate the tangerine tree and get it back to a reasonable size, you will need to do some drastic pruning. Keep in mind that this may delay fruiting in the next couple of growing seasons. Cut all major limbs to 1-foot long stubs. Then remove any twiggy growth that remains. Be sure to paint all the newly exposed bark white to prevent sunscald. As the tree starts to grow back and reaches the size and shape you want, be sure to do regular pruning (just before spring growth begins) to maintain the appropriate size.

And still more.....
Citrus trees usually need little pruning except to remove dead or weak branches and to thin twiggy growth. It is possible to rejuvenate an older, established citrus tree. Before starting to prune the trees, however, first access its problems. Has the tree been properly cared for, and will pruning solve the problem? It is possible the problem may be disease, insects, little or no light reaching the interior, etc.

If you determine pruning is the solution, be assured that citrus trees usually respond well to hard pruning, when necessary. Start by removing dead, injured, diseased and crossing branches, suckers and branches growing downward. At the next pruning, remove weak branches and overcrowded growth. Never remove more than one-fourth of the tree at one time. Keep in mind that, most citrus trees have a limited supply of carbohydrates in their stem tissues. Excessive pruning at one time may set back growth and fruiting.

After the tree is back in good shape (it may take a couple of years), continue to thin as needed. You can also cut back long branches at the tips to promote shoots nearer the center of the tree. If more than one shoot arises around a cut, choose the one or two best placed shoots to develop as the main branches.

Kay DiVerde is a freelance writer, horticultural researcher and consultant for Orchard's Edge. DiVerde also writes for a variety of newsletters and publications in the Midwest.

Wow, thanks for all the info! : )

hey dove,
i just picked up a citrus. thanx for bunches of good info. i have a tendency to get "prune happy" with allot of my newer trees. i try to promote good structure and roots before i bother with canopy shape.
i noticed , and agreed especially with the comment about--- after a couple of years.
seems folks neglect good pruning practices, and then, they expect you to solve neglect overnight.
i've only been at my current location for 5 years. i've put in many, many, many new ornatmental trees, a pond.... all of the silly stuff that goes with it... ie pond...

i've "found" 7 japanes maples, too many kousa dogwoods ...... it just goes on and on ...

but i'm an advocate of good pruning for a good foudation for a new tree.

i'm just getting the rewards of that philosophy now, but it's worth it.

a tree needs a good foundation, and THAT does take a few years of proper pruning and patience.......

scooter6OH, yes it does take time to grow trees. And I am such an impatient gardener that way. I want it and I want it NOW! But I am learning that planning, pruning and patience is rewarded in the long run.

I love a pond, do you have fish? Glad to see you are planting around the pond to make it more natural looking.