Here is a closer view.

Leave them be. That is how citrus trees grow best. Every advancement in size of my tree was through water sprouts. Then they branch out. The water sprout on my sweetlee will become the main trunk while the other trunks will continue as branches where they will protect the trunk from sun burn as they are genetically coded to do so. BTW you have a very nice looking tree.

Steve

This post was edited by poncirusguy on Mon, Sep 1, 14 at 9:25

Water sprouts are just rapidly growing branches. They usually settle down, and will eventually produce blossoms and fruit. If you wish to prune them back a bit to the edge of the canopy for looks, that's fine. But, I think your tree is fine as is. And no, they are not "genetically coded to protect the trunk from sunburn." I'm not even sure what that means. Citrus will naturally fill out their canopies. In-ground trees may benefit eventually, from some canopy thinning, especially in more humid areas, if the canopy gets too dense, to help improve airflow. And of course, any dead wood or non-producing interior branches should be pruned out, but this would apply to in-ground trees, for the most part (or, outdoor container trees).

Patty S.

Thanks for the help, I'll follow your advice and leave it alone. That was my initial plan but I often see people talk about water sprouts in a negative light so I appreciate your comments.