If you have a young tree prune off any flowers or small fruit In the first year to put energy back in the tree.'Aim for an airy structure in the centre of the tree that lets in lots of sunlight.' This will encourage more fruit. 'Thin out the middle crown removing any diseased or weak branches or any that are too heavy for the centre of the tree,' says Liesl. Take out any tall gangly branches that protrude and don’t look balanced to help give your tree symmetry. The best way forward when it comes to pruning a lemon tree is to create a rounded canopy that is aesthetically pleasing. Turn your attention to the top of the tree and think about how to shape it.You can use a similar approach when pruning apple trees. This includes taking out any ugly crossing or overlapping branches that can rub against each other and cause disease, as well as compete with each other for light and nutrients. Next, remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches to improve the overall look of your lemon tree.Aiming to take out everything less than knee height is the formula that works for me.' 'The idea is to help the tree put all its energy into growth. 'You want your tree to look like a tree not a shrub,' says Liesl van der Walt, head gardener at Babylonstoren (opens in new tab). Start by looking at the bottom of the tree and remove any of the suckers and strong new growth around the base of the trunk, as well as taking out any new shoots.

(Image credit: Jim Holden/Alamy Stock Photo)

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