Do not jump too fast to prune what appears to freeze or frost damage in your citrus tree. Instead, remove any damaged fruit and then wait to scope out the rest of the harm in many weeks. Although heavy pruning is not ideal, it’s essential when moderate to severe damage occurs in the canopy of this tree. Unfortunately, in the event the damage extends below the bud union — the area in which the tree has been grafted onto the rootstock — small can be done in order to save the tree.
Wait to trim broken limbs in late spring or early summer so you can certainly determine which branches are actually damaged and which ones aren’t. In the event you prune before, you’re able to accidentally remove healthful branches. Also, some branches can appear healthy but later perish off from winter injury. Therefore, if you prune too early, you might need to conduct another pruning at a later period as damaged limbs become more evident.
Disinfect your pruning tools before use and between trees to protect against the spread of infection. A rag moistened with a very simple bleach and water solution made with one-tenth bleach and rubbed onto the blades works nicely. Depending on thickness of the limbs, then use a sharp saw, loppers or shears.
Cut each damaged limb back 2 to 3 inches into living wood. Ideally, prune just above the topmost sprout, right at a healthy branch. Make cuts right and flush with the parent branch. Do not leave stubs if at all possible.
Paint pruned stems that confront the sun and have very little sun safety with a white latex paint diluted with 50 percent water. This is particularly necessary for larger branches which were pruned.