Our lemon tree is growing lemons only on the ends of most the branches.

Question

We have an Italian Lemon tree for a couple years now and this year it has started growing really long branches with the lemons on the ends of the branches. It has the appearance of a really large bush. There are a lot of lemons on the ends of the branches and not many leaves or lemons between the trunk and the ends. The last couple years it looked normal, but there were long branches in the middle that grew very tall.

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Answer 1

From the photos it appears that the tree was pruned very heavily, creating a vigorous growth response. And/or the rampant growth could have been accentuated by high nitrogen fertilization, chemical or manure.

You can bring the tree back into balanced growth with more moderate pruning. Thin and shape back the long leaders by 25% of the length and no more than that at one time.
If you are not sure about how to do this, consider hiring a professional for the pruning.

Don't fertilize any more this year, but in spring you can take up a spring and fall fertilization program with a slow release, complete organic citrus fertilizer.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/lemon-tree-pruning.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/learn-about-fertilizer-for-a-lemon-tree.htm