The first operation of the year is to remove the thorns from the tree.
Older trees grow more slowly than younger trees.
The thorns are removed to facilitate working in the trees. The thorns are removed with a knife. Each side of the leaf requires at least three passes with the knife to thoroughly remove every thorn. The thorns are approximately 6 inches long and will puncture a tire. The length of the area in which the thorns grow is 3 to 4 feet, at the base of the leaf.