Pruning my kaffir lime tree

[Fred B]

I'm looking for some advice on pruning my kaffir lime tree. I live in zone 7a, so the tree is in a container, and I must bring it indoors every winter. I've never been that confident on where to cut when pruning, and maybe as a result, the tree is getting too wide to bring through doorways.

What I would like to do is to cut it back so that the tree will grow more upwards. I'm just not really sure how to go about it, or if it is even possible at this point, so I'm here asking for help. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Here are a few pictures.



Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Citrus hystrix, called the kaffir lime, makrut lime or Mauritius papeda, is a citrus fruit native to tropical Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Wikipedia.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lime/care-of-your-kaffir-lime-tree.htm

The common plant name is old however, and carries a racially negative message on the african continent.

 

[Fred B]

DirtMechanic - Thanks for your reply. I've already seen the links you provided but they don't give as much information as I would like. I am also aware of the negative connotation associated with the name but continue to use it because its the name most know the plant by. I should try to get in the habit of using makrut instead though.

 

[DirtMechanic]

what information would you like? where to cut? perhaps branch union pics? my thought is citrus pruning is even on a commercial scale so the dissemination of detailed data relative to your particular flora is a click away.

 

[Silentrunning]

Citrus trees take pruning very well. A couple of decades ago they used to take giant rotating blades and cut the top half of the trees off so the pickers could reach the fruit faster. You can pretty much shape it any way you want. If you are going to do any major cutting, do it soon so the tree can recover before dormant season. Also, keep an eye on those yellowing leaves.