Don’t cut any branches larger than 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) in diameter in the winter to avoid damaging the tree. [2] X Trustworthy Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities Go to source Young Satsuma trees generally don’t need any pruning. Trees that are a few years old need some basic maintenance to stay healthy, but usually don’t need heavy pruning.
This might not always be true, so use your judgment and clip in the spot that will leave the smallest wound. For some very thick branches, you may need a pruning saw instead. This is more common for older, larger trees. [4] X Trustworthy Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities Go to source
This is totally optional, and you can let the tree grow into any shape it wants to if you prefer.
These branches are usually pretty small, so you can do this at any time of year. If they’re more than 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) thick, wait until the spring to cut them.
If an entire branch is pointing down, then it’s fine to prune the whole thing.
Common signs of disease include browning leaves, leaves falling off, dark blotches or lesions on the branch and leaves, and discoloration of the branch. [10] X Research source You can remove diseased branches at any time, even if they’re large. It’s not ideal to leave a large wound on the tree during the off-season, but it’s better than letting the infection overtake the tree. If you remove any diseased limbs, be sure to disinfect your pruners with bleach or alcohol before using them again. Otherwise, you could spread the infection to other plants. [11] X Research source
Blooms usually start appearing in April, so slightly before this is the best time to prune. [13] X Research source Late-season pruning, like in the fall, is not a good idea because the wounds might not be fully healed before winter starts.
You can use a saw or clippers to make a three-part cut. If you don’t use a three-part cut for large branches, they might tear the bark off when they fall. This creates a nasty wound on the tree.
Keep these branches cut back all the time, so prune again when they start growing. These branches grow slowly, so once you do it, you’re good for a few years.
Hedging is helpful if you have several Satsuma or other citrus trees planted next to each other. They can grow into a solid wall if you don’t cut them back. If you’ve never done hedging before and have a particular look in mind for your tree, you might want to call in a professional landscaper to do it. They’ll give you the shape you want without damaging the tree.
If you have to get your face close to the tree, goggles are a good idea too. You don’t want a branch or thorn poking you in the eye.
If your clippers are dull, you can bring them to a hardware store or nursery for a sharpening.
It’s generally a good idea to disinfect your pruners after each use anyway, even if you didn’t remove any diseased limbs. Plants could have infections without obvious signs, and you could spread it to other plants without realizing it.
