I want to grow an citrus orchard which i like to planted at 8 ft × 8 ft. The thing which worries is the pruning of orange trees.
With proper water management, you can certainly plant them in high density. Pruning will be an absolute necessity if you intend to do this, though.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/page/4
I have recently purchased house with large orange tree out back but oranges don't grow any bigger than golf ball size before falling off. Why would this be?
Often, this can be due to a lack of proper fertilization, namely, phosphorus and potassium.
Using citrus fertilizers at least once per year can help. There can be environmental factors, as well. Keep in mind that fruit drop is normal, and should still leave you with a decent crop.
Here are some articles that will help you address the issues, and keep your tree healthy:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/fruit-thinning-citrus-rees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/growing-an-orange-tree.htm
The orange tree is about 3 yrs old. It is kept indoors most of the time. I feed it with citrus food when required. It has produced a few oranges. It blossomed late last year which was unexpected, producing new fruit whilst the original ones were still ripening. The new fruit have since all fallen off when they were still very small. I have sprayed it with soapy water and removed aphids by hand also but I can't stop it from producing honeydew which is making quite a mess. Any advice appreciated.
The only way to stop the sap flow will be to stop the aphid infection, completely.
The aphids pierce tiny holes, which will only flow for a few hours before being self-sealed. Any new flow that you see is a result of current infestation.
There are many ways to get rid of aphids. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
There should be instructions on the fertilizer package. Here are fertilizing best practices for a pot and in the ground:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/orange-tree-container-care.htm
I have a small tree that has taken off this spring and they limbs/branches are too thin to carry fruit. I do have 1 blossom. :) How far should I go to give my little tree strength in its stocks and limbs? Thank you
You can cut off the leggy stems to encourage side branching. You will need to thin the fruit every year, too. The first year only allow about 5 or 6 fruits to develop. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/orange-tree-container-care.htm
I started another tree from seed of the 15 year old one I have and where the blossoms normally come I have thorns growing. I use the fruit to make marmalade
Depending on the age of this tree, it will not produce fruit for several years. When it is young it will have thorns to protect it to maturity. In 3 to 6 years, you can expect to see your first flowers and fruit.
This article will explain the thorns on citrus trees: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/thorns-on-citrus-trees.htm
I have an orange tree 39 years old and its bark is peeling off and slowly dying. Is there anything I can do for it? Many thanks
That looks to be mechanical damage from an animal or person!
I see, also, what looks to be a fungal infection of the soil, which can be seen on the leaves of the cucurbit at the base of the tree.
With all of that being said- 40 years is an average lifespan of oranges in diseased soils, whereas when perfectly healthy they can survive for much longer.
I would say that the tree is on its way out. You can continue to care for it as it needs to ensure that it lives the rest of its life, fairly, productive.
Here is an article that will help you to care for it:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/growing-an-orange-tree.htm