Pruning mature apricot trees
- Remove dead or diseased wood first.
- Remove unwanted shoots growing from the main trunk.
- Take out the weaker of any crossing branches.
- Remove branches which are growing straight up, are at odd angles, or which are taller than the trunk.
- Remove old shoots that are no longer bearing fruit to encourage new growth.
- Thin the canopy if necessary to encourage air circulation.
- Remove the suckers – produced by trees as a response to damaged roots. ...
- Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches.
- Remove any branches that are touching the ground.
- Trim off any inward-facing branches that will reduce airflow in the centre of the tree, making the tree more prone to pests and diseases.
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What month should I prune my apricot tree?
The optimum time of year to prune fruit trees is the dormant season, December, January (best) and until the middle of February, but note summer schedule for Apricots.
How far back can you prune an apricot tree?
Plan to prune out 20 percent of last year's growth and remove dead, diseased or broken branches. Remove wayward branches that are growing at odd angles as well as those growing straight up or down. Make sure the branches you leave on the tree are several inches apart.
How do you prune a mature apricot tree?
Pruning apricot trees Cut them back entirely to an upright growing branch; do not head them. Remove shoots from the center of the tree and cut out interfering limbs and dead and diseased wood. In wet winter areas, apricots should be pruned in late August to allow time for the pruning wounds to close.
How do you care for an apricot tree in Australia?
Apricots need water during hot summers and after cropping so that their buds will develop well the following spring. Water around the tree's drip line once a week or, as mentioned above, install slotted pipe at planting and water directly to the roots through summer and autumn.
How do you prune and shape an apricot tree?
How to Prune an Apricot TreeRemove all damaged or broken shoots and limbs.Remove all branches with a narrow crotch—those that grow up more than out.Remove all branches that are within 18 inches (46 cm.) ... Shorten the main trunk to a height of 36 inches (91 cm.).More items...•
Do apricots fruit on new or old wood?
Apricots bear fruit on spurs, the ripened wood that bears for up to four years. Without regular pruning, new wood is not forced into growth and production suffers in later years. Pruning of apricots aims to balance stimulating the growth of new wood with retaining fruit-producing ripe wood.
What is the life expectancy 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.
What shape should an apricot tree be?
V-ShapePrune trees to a V-Shape. Those branches remaining in the center above the primary scaffold branches or any growth below the scaffold branches should be cut off.
Will an apricot tree grow back from a stump?
A: Yes, but it depends on the fruit tree where the new growth occurs and the kind of growth that results from damage. In my opinion, it's worth the effort since you will know whether or not this is successful in a couple months after you cut off the trunk. Most fruit trees are grafted.
How long do apricot trees live Australia?
Notes. Prune apricots in late winter or early spring. Healthy apricot trees will bear for ten to fifteen years or more.
What is the best fertilizer for apricot trees?
However, apricot trees aren't finicky about the exact kind of fertilizer you use. The tree will respond well to any complete, balanced granular fertilizer labeled for use on trees, such as a 10-15-10 tree fertilizer.
How do I get my apricot tree to bear fruit?
Since apricots bloom on two year old wood, you have to be really careful how you prune them and realize that any year with heavy pruning may lead to a couple of years without fruit. Leave plenty of old growth to balance the new when you're pruning apricot trees in the future, but do prune to stimulate fruit production.
What shape should an apricot tree be?
V-ShapePrune trees to a V-Shape. Those branches remaining in the center above the primary scaffold branches or any growth below the scaffold branches should be cut off.
How do you prune a mature apricot tree in California?
1:412:46How to Prune Apricot Trees in California - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake off all crossing branches. Also remove limbs suckers. And sprouts growing straight up all deadMoreTake off all crossing branches. Also remove limbs suckers. And sprouts growing straight up all dead or damaged wood and old week. But sprouts remove 20 percent of the previous year's growth.
How do you prune a small apricot tree?
Aim to remove about ⅓ of branches overall. Apricot trees tend to grow quickly and therefore need more pruning than some other fruit trees. You should be left with sparse but evenly-spaced branches throughout the height of your tree. Cut more branches off of young trees, and less off of older ones.
How long do apricot trees live?
between 40 and 150 yearsApricot trees are perennials, meaning that they can live for very long periods of time; apricots usually live between 40 and 150 years.
Why do you prune an apricot tree in the summer?
Pruning an apricot plant in the summer enables the tree to heal quickly and seal itself from moisture, which can cause damage and introduce disease.
How to sterilize apricot saws?
Sterilize your tools in a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol. Soak shears and saws for 30 seconds to make sure they’re clean and won’t transmit any diseases to your tree. If you’re pruning multiple apricot trees, re-soak your tools in between each tree.
How to keep a tree branch from snapping off?
It’s best to choose branches that are growing outwards away from the trunk, rather than straight up, as vertically-growing branches are more prone to snapping off if they produce a lot of heavy fruit. Think of a clock, and look to keep branches growing outwards at about a 2:00 or 10:00 angle.
What happens if you cut down dead trees?
Cut away dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These branches will detract from overall tree growth, and could spread disease to other healthy branches. [10]
What to do when you can't reach the top of a tree?
If you can’t reach the top of your tree, you’ll also need a sturdy ladder. Folding and leaning ladders not safe to use when pruning, as they’re not stable on uneven ground. Instead, use an orchard ladder, which has a more sturdy tripod structure. ...
Can you dry apricots while pruning?
Heavy pruning at this stage will encourage low branches to form, and balance the roots with the top of the tree. Thanks! If the wood you remove while pruning your apricot tree is free from disease, dry it and use it for kindling or for fuel in a smoker or wood oven.
Where to cut a tree branch?
Look for the collar at the base of the branch. This is a thicker, ridged area of bark that connects the branch to the trunk. Cut the branch just outside the collar, as this region promotes formation of new tissue and cutting it can cause damage and introduce decay.
When is best to prune apricot trees?
So, when is most convenient to prune your apricot tree? Actually, there are several beneficial times of the year with their pros and cons.
How to keep pruning tools clean?
It’s good practice to clean pruning equipment before putting it away AND to sterilise it using a 10% bleach solution or methylated spirits before starting work. It’s also vital to keep blades sharp, so they’ll cut cleanly.
What is an anvil secateur?
Anvil secateurs – Also held in one hand, anvil secateurs feature a blade that comes down onto a flat surface, used for removing dead or dry wood. Loppers – These are robust secateurs which can be used on branches up to 2 ½ inches thick. Loppers can be bypassed or anvil.
How to tell if a tree needs to be cut?
Signs that a tree will benefit from some judicious cutting are: Dead or diseased wood – Deadwood harbours insects that spread disease, so chop the infected wood to avoid that. Branches are broken or torn – Jagged wounds need to be cut neatly to prevent disease finding an entry point.
Why remove branches with a narrow crotch?
Remove branches with a ‘narrow crotch’ those growing more up than out. You aim to encourage an open heart that allows good air circulation.
Why remove old shoots that are no longer bearing fruit?
Remove old shoots that are no longer bearing fruit to encourage new growth.
Why is it important to prune young trees?
Correct pruning of young trees makes your life easier in future years.
Why do pruning cuts heal quickly?
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.
What is a wide crotch in a tree?
These branches are said to have a wide crotch, referring to the angle between the main trunk and the branch. Keep these branches in mind because they are the ones you want to save.
Do apricot trees produce more fruit?
Image by Vitalii Marchenko. An apricot tree looks better and produces more fruit when it’s properly pruned. The process of building a strong, productive tree begins at planting time and continues throughout its life. Once you learn how to prune an apricot tree, you can approach this annual chore with confidence.
How long does it take for an apricot tree to ripen?
Apricot blossoms need dry weather to thrive and become fruit. A mature apricot tree usually needs 100 to 120 days for the fruit to ripen.
How to remove apricot seed from pit?
Using a hammer, lightly pound the pit to remove the apricot seed. The trick is to be able to crack the pit without damaging the seed inside. You can also use a nutcracker if this is easier for you.
How many fruits does an early Moorpark apricot tree bear?
This variety is self-pollinating, which means it can use its own pollen to propagate. A fully established Early Moorpark can bear up to 300 fruits per tree.
What is the name of the Japanese apricot tree?
Japanese apricot tree and native apricot tree. The native apricot tree (Pittosporum angustifolium), which also goes by the name gumbi gumbi, is an Australian plant that’s used for its medicinal purposes. The fruit closely resembles an apricot, but this species belongs to a different genus from other apricots.
What is the star of an apricot tree?
It’s not a secret that the star of the apricot tree is the fruit. Apricots are high in antioxidants and have a distinct flavour similar to peaches and plums. The mix of tartness and sweetness makes it an easy addition to savoury dishes and desserts. Whether you eat them raw or spread as preserves over toast, you can’t help but think of summer at the first bite.
What is Trevatt apricot?
Like the Moorpark, the Trevatt is a favourite ingredient in jams and other bottled recipes. The dwarf variety of the Trevatt apricot is a popular choice among garden owners because of its compact size and high fruit yield.
How big do apricot trees get?
Apricot tree size depends on the variety. An apricot tree can reach between 8-12m in height and has a trunk that can reach up to 40cm in diameter. Apricot trees are deciduous and especially beautiful when they’re in full bloom or bearing fruit.
Why do apricot trees need to be pruned?
As such when an apricot tree is pruned at the wrong time, it increases the risks or exposure of such a tree to diseases that may affect its growth.
How do you know if you need to cut an apricot tree?
Diseased or dead limbs are among the signs that show the need to cut or prune them off. For your apricot trees to grow better, you’ll need to be on the lookout for such branches.
What happens to apricot trees after a storm?
Damage Caused by Storms. There’s likely to be damage to your apricot trees after a storm. If there is, proper pruning must be done to treat the exposed parts. Damaged or broken limbs need to be properly cut and the area treated.
What is the best way to protect an apricot tree from infection?
Pruning an apricot tree involves a lot of cutting. After this activity, it leaves open wounds or cut areas. Therefore, as soon as you remove or cut back branches , seal up all such wounds with an antifungal paint. This is a special paint designed to prevent infection.
How tall should apricot trees be?
Now, your young apricot trees will have a main trunk. These trunks should be shortened to about 36 inches in height.
What does quality pruning do to a tree?
The quality of pruning done on the tree gives it the right structure which it grows or matures into.
When do apricot trees sprout?
Apricot trees sprout new leaves in late winter to early spring. At this time, the trees are emerging from the dormant tree season and are most active. Hence, cuts are likely to heal fast when pruned at this time. Plus, any issues which had led to its pruning are corrected early.
How much trimming do apricot trees need?
Apricot trees need about 20% trimmed to help keep growth in check. This could mean anything from a few inches to a few feet depending on how much your tree grew this year. Another growth-related trim is keeping the highest branches within arm’s reach. This makes picking the fruit much easier.
Why do you prune apricots?
Help Prevent Apricot Tree Diseases. One of the major reasons we prune apricot trees is to help them stay healthy, but pruning can also cause and spread diseases. Each time you move on to a new apricot tree or another type of plant, you should wash your hand pruner, lopper, and saw.
What is a pruning saw?
A pruning saw helps you tackle those large branches that pruners and loppers just can’t handle. This tool is a bit of an odd choice for our list because you are going to get the least use out of it. These saws are for cutting off large limbs which isn’t done very often outside of the initial shaping of a young apricot.
Why do you use loppers on apricot trees?
Loppers are useful for helping you get at hard to access branches and tackle those thicker branches. It’s important to make sure your pruning is done with clean cuts. If you think the branch might be a little too big for your hand pruners to handle, do your apricot tree a favor and break out the loppers.
Why is my apricot tree not producing fruit?
One of the reasons for inconsistent fruiting is that by producing too much fruit one year, the tree needs to skip the next year.
What is the best tool to trim apricots?
Hand pruners are the best tool of the trade when it comes to making sure apricots are healthy and well pruned. You’ll be doing the vast majority of your pruning with these little clippers.
Why do apricots need pruning?
Another big reason is the apricots themselves! Pruning is done to help ensure new fruit growth each year.
