Thanks Vladimir, the biggest concern is with the two trees that I acquired several months ago and I was recently in formed that they should had been repotted possibly 6 months to a year ago. I believe that they are most likely root bound along with several other issues such as nutrient and structure being my biggest concern. Here the temps fluctuate quite a bit in the winter and it is already low 50's to around close to 70's again. These are pictures of the two trees and I have tried to note where I intend to prune them. I have read on this forum that staking them is not a great thing. Both trees were quite banged up and are not ideal in posture but not expired yet so I got them from the clearance section at about13 bucks apiece. The lemon was not tagged and said to be a Meyer the tall lanky one was tagged as a Miewa. My hope is to get them headed on the right path to recovery. And being quite the novice I appreciate all advice. Here are some photos and I have placed rubber bands where my intend cuts would be. Pese let me know if these would be detrimental to the trees.

I have tried posting pic before and can not get them in the order of progression that I intend,(sorry) I plan to when repotting the lemon to put the root ball at an angle to try and diminish the sharp angle in which the tree grows from the graph union. Is this a bad idea. I don't think they have a problem with root rot. So should I still hold off until just before spring? Thanks for your help. Al

I would repot but hold off on pruning for a month to allow the trees to recover. The tree in the lowest photo should be staked loosely now and perhaps pruned. Straightening the lemon as you mention is a good idea. I have done that a number of times. Put them in shade after repotting for a week, partial shade for another week, then full sun.

Thanks for your response. I will hold off on the pruning. My plan for that tree was to repot it an angle and prune/cut the curved top which seems to have had some limbs missing and then as you say stake it in an attempt to entice/train it to grow straighter and maybe grow a bit fuller. After reading other posts for info on cuttings and with your suggestion to hold of pruning for a month; would air layering be an option for the pruning so as to get another tree from the cuttings or would this do more harm than good. Mind you I have never done either but just a thought and question.

Air layering is an option although success rate at this time of year may be low but it may be equivalent to that of rooting cuttings. I am not sure.

Thanks I will just repot for now and consider the pruning vs air layering down the road. The cutting possible water sprouts were to be from these. I am sure they need to repotted as well but I quess can wait for a more favorable time.

Those are beautiful trees, after repotting and rest period need to start feeding with half dose. I would not trim at this time, better to do it towards March, April or air layering in May. Keep us updated on all the progress:))

Thanks sunshine. That is the way I am leaning now, just the repotting for now check progress and go from there. Updates will follow.