Because citrus trees do not tolerate frost, they make a good choice for growing in the sunny Arizona climate. Be prepared for the thorns, as Arizona citrus trees typically sprout ominous sharp stickers. The Arizona Master Gardener Program warns against pruning, advising instead to remove dead, wayward or crossing branches. The ideal time for planting is September.
Dig a hole for planting the tree, making it just deep enough to fit the root ball and three or four times wider. Maintain the original soil line as the tree's container.
Toss away any rocks from the removed soil, which will be used to refill the hole when planting the tree.
Gently remove the citrus tree from its container. Some soil will fall away.
Set the tree in the center of the hole and backfill the hole with the soil you removed, holding the tree in place.
Water thoroughly, but do not fertilize until after the first year.
Create a water basin around the tree for irrigation and apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch on the root area.
Paint the tree trunk with white, water-based latex pain to prevent sun damage.