[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick Gross]

Polly, Citrus bark exposed to direct sun for an extended period of time will sunburn and limit the flow of carbohydrates and nutrients between roots and foliage through the scorched vascular system. But, windows of direct sun moving across the sky move across the bark as well through windows in the foliage limiting the exposure time to a safe level. If you do remove imposing growth do so with that scenario in mind using prudent pruning practices. I routinely remove dead branches back to green at the shoulder where it joins a live one.

The natural growth habit of citrus is to the ground providing a shroud for the interior.  I have never observed any problem with branches on the ground but I usually remove any gross infringements that tend to interfere with irrigation and feeding in that same area defined as the drip zone.

If any protective foliage must be removed exposing the trunk or major branches, painting them with a white latex paint (your nursery has it) will provide full protection.

But, this is the advice of a novice. Expert directions are encouraged that I also may learn.

Dick Gross, MGV, MCCE

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: <pollyrs at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2006 8:58 AM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> Polly
> 85302
> pollyrs at cox.net
> 
> I planted a Meyer lemon tree about 18 months ago... It is flourishing but there are a lot of branches at the bottom of its trunk so they're lying on the ground... Would it cause any problems to the tree if I prune some of these low-growing branches?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
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