When Should I Prune my Lime Tree?

Expert insight into the best time to prune a lime tree; why lime tree pruning is important, and how to identify common lime tree diseases.

The common lime tree, or to give it its Latin name, Tilia x europaea, is native to the UK and other parts of Europe. It is a deciduous broadleaf tree that will grow to 35 metres in height and 15 metres in width. The flowers that appear in July were used during times of war to make soothing tea, and you will find the lime tree growing in partly shaded woodland as well as planted ornamentally in residential and urban settings.

Why prune a lime tree?          

Aside from frequent watering, ensuring adequate drainage and making sure the tree is well fertilised, annual pruning forms a vital part of lime tree care.

There are many good reasons to prune a lime tree. These include reducing the chance of disease taking hold; improving airflow and making the limbs stronger. 

Lime tree pruning allows more sunlight to penetrate the tree. You will be aiming to keep the tree smaller on top and thicker at the base. This is done by removing the centre branches which has the effect of opening up the tree. In turn, this allows improved air circulation which assists in preventing disease.

When is the best time for lime tree pruning?

Lime trees are best pruned in early to mid-spring before the blossom appears, either every year or every other year. You want to make sure the tree doesn’t get too big, and to keep it healthy and strong you will need to remove weak stems.

Be sure to use very sharp, sanitised shears and never proceed with pruning a lime tree that has been damaged by frost until new growth is apparent. 

All damaged, weak or dead branches should be pruned back to the base. Criss-crossed limbs and suckers should also be removed.

Never prune a lime tree in the winter, as frost sensitivity is a major issue. Frost damaged trees will sprout leaves in the spring, but these will quickly wilt and die. Use this as a guide as to where to prune the tree.

Wherever possible, dead, diseased or damaged limbs should be removed at the same time of the year as the pruning is being carried out, during early to mid-spring. However, if there is a particularly serious issue that is threatening the safety or health of the tree, then you should not delay in going ahead with emergency pruning. It is important to bear in mind that the removal of larger branches could leave the tree’s bark exposed, which could become sunburned. It is also vital that serious disease is treated by a qualified tree surgeon.

What to look for when pruning a lime tree

There are numerous pests and diseases that affect the lime tree.

Aphids are a common problem, as are sap-sucking insects and gall mites such as the lime nail gall (look for  5-8mm long red or yellow tubular structures on the upper leaf surface). Lime trees are also susceptible to fungal disease which can lead to root rot and bleeding cankers which you will recognise by a dark, sticky oozing fluid. Wilt can also be an issue.

Tree Preservation Orders

Never go ahead with any tree work without first discovering whether there is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in place. If there is then permission must be gained for the works and this can take up to eight weeks to come through. What’s more, if the tree is located in a conservation area, permission must be obtained before starting works of any kind.

The importance of lime tree pruning expertise

The lime tree will provide an attractive, ornamental feature, providing it is well looked after.

There are particular ways in which the lime tree should be pruned and maintained, and if disease becomes a problem, then it must be dealt with using the correct procedures.

To guarantee the health of your lime tree, be sure to enlist the expert assistance of a qualified tree surgeon who will be fully aware of the right ways of caring for your tree, as well as how to spot and deal with the common pests and diseases that it is susceptible to.

If you have a lime tree on your land that needs pruning, why not contact T.H. Tree Services? As fully qualified and highly experienced tree surgeons, we are able to offer specialist knowhow and expertise in all aspects of lime tree pruning. For a free, no-obligation quotation, give us a call on 01268 642814 or get in touch here.

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