How to prune apricot trees (pruning time and method)

When to prune apricot trees

Apricot trees can be pruned in all four seasons of the year. Thin and weak branches and overcrowded branches should be pruned during the young tree stage. Side branches, fruiting branches, and drooping branches should be cut back during the fruit-bearing period. During the aging period, strong branches should be left and side buds should be pruned. During the fruit expansion period, the new shoots should be topped several times.

How to prune apricot trees

Apricot trees should be pruned according to the growth of the plant's branches, and the density of the crown should be observed and appropriate adjustments should be made to ensure that they can receive light evenly and improve growth stability.

In addition, apricot tree pruning can be done in autumn after the fruit is harvested. Withered branches should be removed first, and no more branches should be left on them. Branches with growth problems should also be pruned to prevent nutrient consumption in the later stage. Densely growing and overlapping branches need to be pruned to improve light quality.

Apricot tree pruning makes it grow faster

During the growth of apricot trees, if the long branches are not dealt with in time, they will take away a lot of nutrients and slow down the overall growth. At this time, it is necessary to pinch the top or prune them directly.

Apricot tree pruning and flowering

The small sprouts growing on the trunk or branches of the apricot tree should be removed. These new sprouts will not produce apricots, but will hinder other branches from flowering and fruiting. Therefore, we need to cut them off from their base, leaving as little residue as possible.

Pruning apricot trees produces more results

When apricot trees reach the peak fruit-bearing period, they need to be pruned according to the specific conditions of the branches. Weak branches and side branches should be cut back, some nutrient branches and extension branches should be properly pruned, and timely pruning should be done to increase production.

Apricot tree pruning precautions

Apricot trees should not be pruned in winter because they are particularly susceptible to disease. Pruning in summer can allow their wounds to heal quickly and protect them from moisture, reducing their infection rate. It is also beneficial for the sprouting of new branches, promoting more fruit in the following year.