When caring for your citrus tree, it’s important to keep an eye out for sprigs or shoots that grow near the base of the trunk, especially around the graft area. These small shoots, while completely natural, can impact the health and productivity of your tree if left unchecked.
What Are Tree Sprigs, and Where Do They Grow?
Sprigs are shoots that emerge from the rootstock of your citrus tree, often just below or around the graft union. The graft area is easy to identify—it's the noticeable bulge on the tree where the fruit-bearing variety is grafted onto the rootstock.
Why Should You Remove Tree Sprigs?
Tree sprigs might seem harmless, but they can compete with the grafted variety for nutrients and energy. If left to grow, these vigorous shoots can overpower the grafted portion of the tree and take over. This means your tree could lose the specific characteristics of the variety you purchased, such as its fruiting quality or flavor.
By removing these sprigs early, you help ensure that the tree focuses its energy on growing strong, healthy branches above the graft point, which will produce the fruit you want.
How to Remove Tree Sprigs
1. For Young Sprigs
If the sprigs are still small and tender, you can simply snap them off with your fingers. Be sure to remove them as close to the trunk as possible to prevent regrowth.
2. For Older Sprigs
If the sprigs have had time to grow and become woody, you’ll need a pair of clean, sharp hand clippers. Carefully trim the sprigs close to the trunk without damaging the bark.
Tips for Ongoing Maintenance
- Check regularly: Inspect your citrus tree often, especially during the growing season, as sprigs can appear quickly.
- Be proactive: Removing sprigs when they’re young and small is much easier than dealing with larger, established shoots.
- Use clean tools: If you’re using clippers, make sure they’re sanitized to prevent the spread of disease.
What Happens If Sprigs Aren’t Removed?
If sprigs are allowed to grow unchecked, they can result in:
- A tree that becomes dominated by rootstock growth, producing inferior fruit or no fruit at all.
- A weakened tree, as the energy that should go to the grafted variety is diverted to the sprigs.
- An overall decrease in the health and productivity of your citrus tree.
By taking a few moments to remove sprigs, you’re helping your citrus tree stay strong, healthy, and focused on producing the delicious fruit you’re expecting.
