pruning apricot trees

Prune apricot trees in late winter or early spring as the new leaves and flowers begin to open. During this period of time the tree is actively growing and the pruning cuts heal quickly so that diseases have little chance to enter the wounds. It also corrects problems early, and your cuts will be smaller.

How do you prune an overgrown apricot tree?

Trim the tips of healthy branches before spring each season. Only cut approximately 1/2 inch off the ends of the branches. Every two to three years, prune 6 to 12 inches off each tip to make room for new growth.

Should apricot trees be pruned?

The general rule of thumb is to prune during early spring or mid to late winter. ... Prune some main branches by a third of its size and trim from the top to maintain its height. Once the tree has grown into its framework within five years, you only need to prune once a year after every harvest.

Can you prune apricot trees in summer?

Summer is also a good time to prune stonefruit so they can heal while still in active growth – the best time is immediately after fruiting, especially for apricots.

When should you not prune fruit trees?

That means it will be easy to see your tree's structure and to decide which cuts to make. And yet, some orchardists avoid fruit tree pruning in the early winter. This is because in the early winter, branch growth is minimal, and the tree cannot heal the wounds caused by pruning cuts.

What is the lifespan of an apricot tree?

Apricot trees are perennials, meaning that they can live for very long periods of time; apricots usually live between 40 and 150 years.

Is there a bad time to trim trees?

There is never a bad time to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. But most trees benefit from pruning in mid to late winter. Pruning during dormancy encourages new growth as soon as the weather begins to warm. The lack of leaves after autumn allows you to easily identify branches and limbs requiring removal.

What is the best fertilizer for apricot trees?

If your mature apricot is in good general health but shows reduced vigor and poor fruit production, it is time to fertilize. Apply a balanced fertilizer, 16-16-16, for example, in early spring (late February or March) and fall (late September or October). Apply no more than 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per year.

Why is my apricot tree not fruiting?

The apricot tree's lack of fruit production could be due to flower or young fruit damage from weather; it could be due to reduced pollination, also potentially affected by weather; it could be due to tree damage caused by a pest or pests, or it could be a nutrition issue for the tree.

How do you look after an apricot tree?

The trees will need an inch (2.5 cm.) of water weekly, especially during bloom and fruiting. Use a drip irrigation system to avoid wet leaves, flowers and fruit. Be sure your apricot tree care includes thinning of the fruit once it comes in; thin the fruits to 1 ½ to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm.)

What month is best to prune fruit trees?

There are many reasons for pruning fruit trees. The best time to prune fruit trees is late winter into early spring when it will least affect winter hardiness and tree health. Summer pruning in late July or August is another time when pruning can be performed, but severe pruning at this time will weaken the tree.

How often should I water my apricot tree?

Once every 10 days or two weeks is plenty. Worse than dry, thirsty roots is waterlogged, drowning roots. Although a little depression in the soil aids summer watering, it's important to bring the soil around the tree up to the level of the surrounding soil for the winter.

Can I prune trees in summer?

Can you trim trees in the summer? Yes, in fact some trees are best pruned in mid-summer. But for most trees it is best to wait until the tree is in a dormant state from winter until the buds swell in the spring for heavier pruning.

Can heavy pruning kill a tree?

Over pruning reduces the foliage that's available for making food for the rest of the plant and can allow pests and diseases access to the tree, if cuts are made incorrectly. ... So, although pruning may not kill your plant directly, over pruned trees and shrubs can die as a long term result of the associated stress.

What month do you prune pear trees?

When to winter prune apples and pears. Pruning should be carried out when the tree is dormant, between leaf fall and bud burst (usually between November and early March).

Should fruit trees be pruned every year?

Fruit trees must be pruned every year, usually during the dormant period. ... Apple trees are the most common fruit trees home gardeners choose to grow. Pruning is necessary in order to open up the tree canopy to sunlight and air circulation and promote fruit production and a healthy plant.

Do you need to spray apricot trees?

Apricot trees need spraying to prevent or control peach twig borer, San Jose scale, aphid and mite eggs, brown rot and shot hole fungus. ... For brown rot and shot hole fungus, spray the tree just as the buds begin to open with a fungicide that contains fixed copper. Never use sulfur sprays on apricots.

When can you prune apricot trees?

Where is the best place to plant an apricot tree?

Best Climate and Site for Growing Apricots

Plant apricots in full sun. ...
Plant apricots in a well-drained loamy soil. ...
Apricots grow best in neutral or slightly alkaline soil with a soil pH range of 6.7 to 7.5.
Avoid planting apricots where there is a prevailing breeze or in low spots that can collect frost.

Will a tree die if you cut branches?

When you cut off a tree branch, the tree develops a special callous tissue—along the lines of a scar—which covers wounds in order to keep out decay and disease. That tree's scars will always be there, but if you prune it properly, the tree itself can survive.

Does trimming a tree help it grow?

Direct Growth: Pruning influences the direction in which a plant grows: Each time you make a cut, you stop growth in one direction and encourage it in another. ... Promote Plant Health: Trees and shrubs stay healthier if you remove branches that are diseased, dead, pest-ridden or rubbing together.

Does cutting off dead branches help a tree?

“If you want to grow a healthy tree that can live for a long time, pruning is a must,” says Jason Parker of Davey's North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office. “Specifically, cutting off dead or diseased branches helps keep you and your home safe.”