Hi everyone,
 I have a lemon tree that has grown to over 6 feet tall and is in small pot (around 5 gallon) My question is should I up-pot it and also root prune it? If the answer is yes to root pruning when would be the best time to do it?

 Thanks,
  Pete

if you don't get an answer here check this out http://citrus.forumup.org/index.php?mforum=citrus

I wouldn't root prune at this time of year. If you still want to up pot, just transfer the root ball intact to a larger pot. Root pruning should be done in early spring before active growth. 

Dave & BLB thanks for the feeback!

Pete

It depends where you live and what the roots look like.  5 gal is awfully small  :)

If you were here in OR where it's raining with highs in the 60s you could easily root prune now.  If it's sunny and 90 you shouldn't.  Moving it directly into a bigger container wont hurt and you can always trim the roots later.  That's the safest option. 

Noss: I believe it is a Meyer. It actually started out from a seed I put in a pot for fun and has since grown to over 6 feet. It has never produced any lemons but is a very attractive tree. I don't have a green house I just bring it in the house during the winter. Do you think it will produce lemons or does it have to be grafted?

rcantor: I agree with your recommendation. I will uppot and root prune during the fall or spring. I also think it could use some fertilizer.

 Thanks,
  Pete

I agree with Bob .... and you can prune any time you have a sharp pair of pruners in your hand. If you do pot up, cut the bottom couple of inches off the root mass if it's really congested, then score the sides deeply with a sharp utility knife - at about 3-4" intervals would be good. Damaging the roots in that fashion causes chemical messengers to 'tell' the plant it needs to focus on getting its feet back under it. The plant will actually establish in the new container faster and show markedly better vitality than if you simply potted up - especially if the roots are severely congested.

Al

I would expect with a tree that large that you should be getting fruit soon. From seed probably 5 years give or take. A larger pot with fresh soil certainly will help too. 

Tapla,
 Thank you for the advice. I admit that I'm afraid of hurting the plant by pruning it but I will take your advice and do what you suggested. I know you mentioned that it can be done at any time but would spring or fall be the best time or does the time not matter?

 Thanks,
  Pete

It'll be interesting to see what fruit you get.  Do you know if there were other citrus nearby or was the Meyer Lemon the only one?

Since citrus grows in a leap-frog fashion, with the canopy growing in several 'spurts' per growth cycle, from the perspective of energy retention it would be better to prune in spring before the spring push. Alternately, prune just before a growth spurt. If you're not familiar with your tree's timing, watch for the top to start exhibiting a definite growth phase. Certainly though, it won't hurt your tree if you prune it anytime between early spring and fall. If there is a season to avoid pruning, it would be winter, unless it's warm enough where you live that the tree is kept outdoors or you're growing under metal halides, HPS, or other good light source.

Al