Need help shaping an orange tree

I have a small orange tree that I purchased last fall. I put it into the ground later in the spring, since we had just moved last December to a new place. It had already bloomed and had set tiny oranges on it when I put it in the ground. It has 3 oranges on it still. What I need to know is how can I / should I prune it up this winter to shape it more into a tree form, rather than the sprawling shrub half laying on the ground? Would I treat it as I would any other tree I'd prune? I just don't want to damage it and want to make sure it will fruit in the future. Thanks for any help in advance.

Judy

Hi sunnydove. Most of my experience with citrus have been in containers for the nursery but here's my take on what I'd do if your plant was mine. Find a 1"x1" stake that is about 2' tall. Select one of the branches that would work as your tree stem - typically the longest, more centred branch. Carefully insert the stake closest to the stem into the ground - very carefully. Many people use twist-ties but I prefer to use flexible stuff like bicycle tire tube or thick elastic bands that are cut and then tied - tie them a bit loosely or not too tight. Tie your selected branch to the stake. I noticed there are some oranges on your plant and they can easily fall off while doing something like this. Next I'd go around the plant to all of the branches and remove about 1/2" of the tip. This will, for the moment, stop horizontal growth. I'd also selectively remove no more than 1/3 of the branches to the main plant. In the early spring apply some fertilizer and when you see some good growth on the selected stem, remove the rest of the lower branches. As the main branch grows, remove leaves and developing buds from the lower portion. When you trim off the lower branches, remove to 1/8" from the collar of the branch at right angles. Hopefully something in my description of how to make a "standard" helps out.

Does that have one main stem coming out of the ground that can be used for the trunk or is there a few coming out of the ground. Can't tell by the picture. If there is one just cut off all the branches and leave the main one growing up. The tree won't have trouble with that if you prune it in Jan. before new growth starts.

Growin,

Thank you for that very helpful and descriptive answer. I will do just that. Both of the oranges (one starting oranging on the outside, but was split and fell off) that are left are on one limb. Thanks so much for the info.


CoreHHI,

Thanks for your input as well. Your advice is pretty much the same, so I guess I can't go wrong.

Happy Gardening,
Judy

God is the master artist of our gardens and we are merely His helpers! - Judy Johnson

I had originally posted this on the Tropical Fruits forum and no one had responded to me, so I posted on this forum. Today, I received the repsonse below from someone on that other forum. What do any of you make of this response?

Thanks,
Judy


"Citrus don't need much pruning and naturally have a crown that almost touches the ground. The canopy protects the bark from sun scorch. Having said that, pruning when needed is done in the spring before new growth begins. In you little tree's case, give it time to grow some. At that size, any leaves lost, reduces its growth rate. That canopy also helps protect the roots. One more thing: I know it's thrilling to have fruit, but that requires a lot of the tree's energy. Energy that could be used to help it grow. As it grows, you can remove a lower branch or two without making too much of an impact."

He's right about letting it fruit. If you want the most growth, pick the fruit off when very small. Citrus in general don't need pruning but to get yours growing up as fast as possible I would trim some lower branches off. As far as losing leaves and growth rate I'm not really sure for a tree your size.

It sounds right to me too. The reason I suggested the shaping over time was for the very reasons outlined. It'll look a bit odd for 4-6 months but after that it'll have the shape you're looking for. The other reason to leave the lower branches is if the branch you choose to be the main stem breaks, you'll have a replacement. The fruit & flowers do take away energy from the plant but then that's probably why you bought an orange. I still think it'll look better shaped as a standard tree instead of a bush.

Thank yo so much again for your input. I will do as suggested by the both of you.

Happy gardening,
Hugz,
Judy