HELP - Inherited a big lemon tree and want to treat it right

[savlems]

Hello!

I moved to Savannah, GA, last year and inherited a big lemon tree in my backyard.

This tree is about twenty feet tall and produces hundreds of large, round, more-orange-than-yellow colored lemons. The lemons have a taste that is more sweet than sour, truly quite delicious. The branches of the tree have large, sharp thorns and waxy leaves.

Around Xmas the tree and lemon crop was damaged by the extreme cold front that came through and it doesn't look too healthy anymore. Before Spring I would like to prune and repair the tree so it can come back as healthy as possible and I have a zillion questions about how to do this:

1. What kind of lemon tree is this?

2. How should I prune it? How can I tell what branches should be cut and which shouldn't?

3. What can I do to prevent the branches from drooping under the weight of the lemons?

4. What should I be doing to help the tree grow? We get plenty of rain here so I think it's fine for water. Anything else I should be giving it?

5. Should I be doing anything around the base of the tree?

6. When are lemons ripe to pick? They seem to take a long time to grow and mature. Any tips on when to tell they're ready to eat?

7. What can I do with all these hundreds of ripe lemons I'll have? Know any good recipes?

I've never cultivated anything before and want to do right by this tree and am looking for any guidance you can give me.

Thanks for your help!




[citrange]

I'm suprised no-one from US has answered you yet, so I'll give my thoughts as a UK grower of potted citrus.
First, I guess you have a Meyers Lemon tree. Sometimes said to be a cross between a lemon and an orange, the fruits are sweeter and more orange in colour than a true lemon. Just as you described.
Second, I would leave the frost damaged tree as it is until new growth starts again in spring. Then you will be able to see how far the twigs or branches have died back and you can then prune to the new growth.
Does everyone agree??

[ilya11]

I would also remove all the fruits still hanging.

[adriano]

You can squiz the Juice Out and store it in the Freezer as lemon juice Ice cubes. Thats what i am doing. You can also Peel of the Rind and Störe it in Litlle plastic bags in the Freezer.