How to prune apricot trees?

Apricot tree pruning time

Apricot trees grow vigorously and can be pruned all year round, but the emphasis is different. Pruning in May and June is more appropriate and can be beneficial to later growth.

Apricot trees can also grow slowly in winter, which has little impact on the plants themselves. The main purpose of pruning apricot trees is to adjust the tree vigor and extend the fruiting period as much as possible.

Apricot tree pruning method

1. Young tree stage: If the apricot tree grows weakly, it needs to be pruned back, and the dense and weak branches on it need to be cut off, leaving the strong branches. Through pruning, the nutrient consumption can be reduced, and the retained nutrients can promote later growth.

2. Fruit expansion period: During the fruit expansion period of apricot trees, the new shoots should be pinched several times to promote the growth of more side branches. This can increase internal ventilation and light transmittance, and can also increase the fruit setting rate and increase yield.

3. Peak fruit-bearing period: When the apricot tree reaches the peak fruit-bearing period, it needs to be pruned according to the specific conditions of the branches, and the strong branches should be retained. The weak branches and side branches should be cut back at this position to restore the growth momentum and promote the production of strong branches to achieve the purpose of increasing production.

4. Aging period: During the aging period of apricot trees, the side buds should be pruned and the strong branches should be left. In winter, shaping and pruning should be carried out to cut off dead branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, overlapping branches, and weak branches to help the apricot trees survive the winter better.