Thank you @poncirusguy6b452xx. Can you give me some explanation, so I learn something?

I agree with poncirusguy. You have a nice foundation tree, why would you want to prune the tree? You have had the tree for less than a week. A citrus tree forms a round full canopy on it own. You live in AZ, why don't you plant the tree in the soil? Know that a citrus tree develops fruit only on the new growth. Pruning removes the new growth, therefore the tree cannot fruit, at keast for a year after prunning. If you don't care about fruit, and only want a designer container tree for you house, then you can do whatever you wish.

Thank you @Silica, I was not aware that fruit only develops on new growth, and I do want them to be functional fruit trees, not just designer container trees.

I would love to plant in the ground, but HOA forbids citrus (no idea why). I think they will be more forgiving of container trees under the patio. And if they are not, I can move them elsewhere without having to dig them up. As the season progresses, I will move them back onto the concrete so it looks a little better. I am just trying to maximize sun exposure right now before the intense summer kicks in.

I don't know for sure about HOA's reasoning. Could be due to Citrus greening desiease which is now in AZ. I havenever lived in a HOA area, nor would I ever buy in such an area. Best to you and your tree.

Travis

Plant your self an Ailanthis Altisima. When its about 7 years old the HOA will be ready to kill you for it but it is not on the no plant list. Now that you have them over a REAL barrel you can offer a trade of your 2 grapefruit trees in exchange for your dreaded Ailanthis Altisima. Its a win win situation becuase you don't want the Ailanthis Altisima EITHER.

Steve

lol @poncirusguy6b452xx I like that plan! Anything that involves tormenting the HOA is a win in my book :)

Is it stone on the top? How thick is the layer? I'd be concerned about the roots not getting enough air

@christine 5b it is wood mulch, probably about 2" thick. Is that a problem?

Wood mulch is fine. It should decompose nicely into to soil. When wood rots it take nitrogen out of the soil so you will have to add more nitrogen. I use grass fertilizer 31-0-4 for the extra bust in nitrogen.

Thank you @poncirusguy6b452xx for the tip! I assume when I water with Foliage Pro, the wood chips won't absorb all the liquid feed and it will still make it wherever the water goes, correct?

correct