Every gardener grows fruit with the aim of maximum productivity. We want one thing, and that is simply as much fruit as possible to eat in the house and give away as gifts to our neighbors and loved ones. However, the fruit trees are just as organic as we are and diligently follow the seed, time, and harvest formula instead of sprouting ripe fruit every 10 seconds like magic. One gardening hack shared by TikTok garden enthusiast Judy Bao promises a substantial increase in lime fruit during the next harvest period. According to her, you have to pluck off the tree leaves at the ends of a branch to usher in new flowers and, hence, new fruit in just two months.
There is evidence that pruning a mature lime tree that has had time to grow enough foliage promotes growth and fruit production because it allows for better sunlight penetration. This equals more opportunities for photosynthesis to occur and a better supply of food for the branches. Younger lime trees don’t necessarily need pruning as much because they have scantier foliage. The more leaves the tree has, the better it thrives, but sunlight has to actually reach the leaves, so Bao called this one correctly.
Gently cut back some of the denser upper layers of the lime tree
@judybaogarden
Here’s one way mom helps her lime trees produce fruits! 🍋 #lime #protip #gardening #urbangardening #fyp
♬ original sound – JudyBaoGarden
Research maintains that pruning can increase yield in citrus crops. If your tree’s canopy and middle are too dense, some of the lower leaves might not be receiving enough sunlight for photosynthesis. You can remedy this by strategically clipping off the dense portions to give way for the leaves underneath to get their fair share of nutrients. However, healthy leaves that aren’t obstructing the sunlight of others should never be cut.
There are many benefits associated with pruning as long as you’re doing it the right way. Typically, you should scout for dead branches and prune them. Diseased branches and stems have to go, too, including those infested with pests. This prevents the spread of pests and diseases to other parts of the tree. By so doing, you strengthen your tree’s immunity and resistance to certain diseases.
The best time to prune lime tree leaves
When growing and caring for your lime tree, gardeners are always advised to prune in moderation. Excessive pruning is one mistake you want to avoid when it comes to your lime tree. Yanking out most of the leaves on your tree branches could prove disastrous for the whole plant. Your lime tree needs its leaves to perform photosynthesis. Without them, how would it produce food and energy to grow the fruit you’re looking for? Another side effect of over-pruning your lime tree is that citrus tree bark is known to burn when exposed to too much sunlight.
If you’ve given your lime tree a once-over and have determined that it needs pruning in some areas, then go ahead and prune away. Just make sure you’re doing it at the right time and season. Since your goal is to increase the fruit yield, you have to prune lime trees before the blooming season. This means the optimal time for pruning is right after the harvest period, which lasts from late winter through early to late spring (or from February to April). Because limes are typically harvested in the late part of summer, this gives your tree enough time to grow fruit. Pruning in the middle of winter is a no-no because it exposes parts of the tree to the harsh cold which can lead to freeze damage.
