Is it safe to drastically prune lemon tree this late?

[Tipjar]

Hello, I'm in southern California and have a well established decades old Meyer lemon tree long overdue for reshaping. I'd like to prune off all the branches less than an inch (25mm) in diameter which would also pretty much remove all its current leaves and lemons. I've heard major pruning should be done in the late fall or winter and it's already the beginning of spring here. Is it too late to do such a drastic pruning? One concern I have is the hot summer sun damaging the tree's ability to rebound. Thanks for any help.

 

[Chuck]

When pruning a tree one should NEVER remove more than 25%-30% of the foliage during a growth period or per year. My next door neighbor killed 2 big mature pecan trees by taking out at least 50% of the foliage last summer. If you stick to the 25% rule you will be OK but pruning in the fall or during dormancy is best. The rule still applies.

 

[Tipjar]

When pruning a tree one should NEVER remove more than 25%-30% of the foliage during a growth period or per year. My next door neighbor killed 2 big mature pecan trees by taking out at least 50% of the foliage last summer. If you stick to the 25% rule you will be OK but pruning in the fall or during dormancy is best. The rule still applies.

Good to know! Thanks.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

My first step when pruning something is to take out the crossing over pieces. You don't want them, even if they don't rub they impede each other, and the shape becomes much clearer.