In February 2023, I posted a video showing how I removed thorny rootstock suckers from my young lemon tree. At the time, the tree was small and not producing fruit. I wasn’t sure how long it would take to see results.
Now, two years later, I’m thrilled to say that:
- The tree has grown taller and fuller
- It produced a small harvest of lemons
- No new rootstock suckers have overtaken the trunk
🎥 Watch the full update video here: https://youtu.be/5JkiGpIbKVA
💡 Why Rootstock Suckers Matter (Especially in Young Trees)
If your citrus tree isn’t growing or fruiting well, suckers might be part of the problem. By drawing energy away from the grafted variety, they slow down:
- Flowering
- Fruit production
- Tree growth
Removing them gives your tree the best chance to thrive and eventually bear delicious, usable fruit.
🌱 More Citrus Tree Care Tips
Whether you’re growing a lemon tree in a pot or in the ground, here’s what else helped my tree bounce back:
- Mulching around the base (but not touching the trunk)
- Consistent watering during dry spells – it is set up on an irrigation system
- Checking for pests like aphids and scale
- Feeding with organic citrus fertiliser every season
🏡 Ready to Grow Healthier Fruit Trees?
If you’re on a journey toward self-sufficiency or backyard gardening like I am, I’d love to connect with you!
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🛒 Grab my printable planner: [Tiny Seeds, Big Dreams]
📝 Final Thoughts
Rootstock suckers are easy to miss, but they can silently sabotage your citrus tree’s health and fruit yield. Whether your lemon tree is just getting started or already producing, checking below the graft line could make all the difference.
Let me know in the comments: Have you ever dealt with rootstock suckers?