I have a ponkan mandarin that is recovering from some severe pruning it needed to get rid of a limb wilt infection. The primary trunk had to be cut about 10 to 12 inches above the ground. There are now several (5-7) new shoots that have sprouted a few inches above the graft some are almost 2 feet long. In addition there were two older branches that were below the cut on the main trunk that are 3 to 4 feet long with some new growth.

How should this be pruned?--- When?

It shouldn't. Pruning your tree will remove next years fruiting branches. If fruiting isn't important then I usually top the branches @ 2ft lengths which forces new growth...

Buds/branches that develop below the graft should be rubbed out or cut off, but it is best to leave all buds and branches above it, for they will assist greatly in once again increasing the diameter of the tree. They also do an important work in helping the tree to again become established. Orange and grapefruit trees have a way of balancing themselves, and it is a mistake to remove branches, seemingly out of proportion, when the following flushes of growth will do the work of making a symmetrical head much better than the pruner could have accomplished it. Under normal growth conditions, citrus trees will develop shapely beautiful heads. It is their habit. - Millet

Millet & others,

I have read many times about citrus forming shapely heads if left to their own, but what about the different forms that citrus can be pruned to take? Especially bush vs. tree form.

I am especially interested in this with respect to a [small 3ft.]grapefruit tree I have. Similar to Skeeter's tree, mine had to be pruned back to the trunk due to an indoord winter infestation of mealy bugs and scale that killed back most of the branches

Before pruning, the tree had a tree-like habit, with about a 24 -30" trunch before the main scaffolds. After pruning back, the tree has flushed new growth but it is all 3 - 4" above the graft.

Should a grapefruit tree like this be left to form a bush-like habit, or repruned to tree shape once more new growth appears higher up on the trunk?

Note that my tree is a container tree, not an in-ground tree, but I wouldn't think that would make much difference on this issue.

Thanks,

Pelham

Thanks again for the expert advise. Left to my own I would have tried to cut it back to a one main branch, over time, to form a tree shape.

I am so glad I found this forum.--- Skeeter