Thorny Lemon Tree

Question

The 2 yr old lemon tree I planted was commercially purchased and was supposed to be a variegated pink lemon. It is now 5 yrs old and has no fruit, no variegated leaves, and has very large killer thorns! Should I cut down this tree?

Answer 1

It is likely that at some point the desirable top portion of the tree died and the rootstalk took over. Most citrus is grafted onto a more durable rootstalk, which can take over if the suckers are not removed. Rootstalk varieties rarely produce fruit.

Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/can-grafted-trees-revert-to-their-root-stock.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/thorns-on-citrus-trees.htm