Help a greenhorn with first tree care (please!)
My wife and I were lucky to purchase our first home this last year in Ventura, California. The home has this mature lemon tree. The tree appears to be fairly neglected. we have no idea the last time it was trimmed, fertilized or reset.
I've done a little bit of research on these and started today by removing all the fruit. Later today and tomorrow I'm going to try to prune about 30% of it and fertilize. I understand the basic concepts of these like removing the water shoots, crossing branches and dead branches, as well as using a citrus specific fertilizer and deep watering around the drip line. But, I still need help understanding how to shape the tree through pruning, thinning the tree, and what it really means to remove crossing branches. Can you please give me your advice on how you would prune and try to shape it?
I also am super excited to attempt to graft other variety of citrus onto the tree. I made an order from the UCR CCPP. I got certified berris lime, Chandler pummelo, variegated pink eureka lemon and tahoe gold mandarin. I'm not really sure on what the strategy should be for these. do I try to place them where they'll be shaded for protection or where they'll get sunlight for growth? do I put them on a large branch or a small one? do I group them in one part of the tree or try to spread them out?
any tips, advice or help will be very appreciated!