My tree has struggled and nearly died several times. As a sign of its mortality, it puts out shoots near or on or below the graft. I have been told to remove these, though I am not really sure if I have to remove the growth right at the top of the graft site. At present, it is coming alive again in a new location with proper sunlight. I took off the buds at the graft site, but I hear that people say not to prune citrus trees. Any advice on what to do with this growth around the graft site? The growers told me that when a tree starts to put out these types of shoots, it's on its way out. JMackin
If the shoots are above the graft I would leave them, if they are rootstock and you do not want to graft--remove them.
Thanks so much for your reply. The trouble I'm having are the shoots that come out right where the graft site is, which seems to be where most of the growth is taking place. I cut off that stem because it had no flowers, and I assumed it was probably the undesirable strain. Am I maybe cutting off good stuff? It's definitely not below the graft but right at the knob where it appears to be. Thanks JM
There should be a difference in the leaves if it from the rootstock. Look for differences in the petiole--like wings (part between the trunk and leaf). If the leaves are identical you may be cutting off good productive branches--some trees grow with a bushy type shape. Since your tree is struggling, I would let them go if they are not rootstock.
That is VERY helpful. I've noticed differences in the branches, but I'll look carefully at the leaves, for I'm not sure that the branch is a good indicator (after studying some other trees.) And I assume by "let them go" you mean cut them? (or maybe you meant to leave them alone?) I think I see some new buds coming on the higher branches, though they are very small. I plan to leave these and discourage the lower ones, but I think I'll let one lower one grow just to see if I see the leaf characteristic you describe. Then I'll post one more reply with the information I find, in case it's helpful to others. Again, thanks so much for your reply. JM
Actually, I meant to leave them (for now) if they are part of the scion (not rootstock). The added top will help build the root system, once the tree has built some reserve into the root system, you can change the shape of the tree if you want, but you will loose some productivity.
If your rootstock is a trifoliate variety, it will be easy to see a difference-- the rootstock will have a leaf with 3 lobes. All edible varieties have a simple leaf, but some rootstocks also have a simple leaf. However, there is usually some difference in the petiole like wider or narrower wings.
