Hello there! This post (The thread "Overgrown older lemon tree never pruned" in Ask a Question forum) is very informative and may already be the right answer, but my tree is a lot sparser so figured I'd ask.

We inherited this old lemon tree from a friend who was moving away. It seems happy enough, and bloomed like crazy when we first brought it into a sunny southern-facing room. But, it's waaaay overgrown and we'd love a fruit or two. It's about 5' long in a 12" pot.

So, how aggressively can/should I prune this back? Is early spring the right time? I don't mind shortening it a lot if it will take it, but wanted to get some expert advice. Here's a photo (not the best)



Cheers, thanks!

I'd probably do something like this to start.


You can always cut more later, but when we over-do it... not much can be done.
You may want to start out a bit bolder...


I'd be trying to encourage lower branches to form...

Thank you! Will let you know how it turns out.

Also maybe pinch out the new tiny leaf growing in on old leafs to encourage a bushier plant. Leaves are what helps the plant produce thru photosynthesis.