Pruning citrus trees. 2. Pruning the mature tree

EXAMINATION of a mature tree in full production will show the natural pattern of growth already explained. It will be seen that over the years the frame has developed by a system of layers with new growth, stimulated by sunlight, constantly appearing on the top side of the older wood. Eventually the terminal portions of the older layers are weakened by lack of light, they become unproductive and in turn adversely affect the general fruitfulness of the rest of the tree by shading and crowding