Apricot trees produce sweet, juicy fruit that’s a warm-weather favorite. Proper pruning is key to keeping trees healthy and productive. But when is the best time to prune apricot trees – summer or winter? Turns out summer pruning is ideal to avoid disease and maximize fruiting.
Why Prune Apricot Trees in Summer?
Most fruit trees are pruned when dormant in late winter. But apricot trees are extra prone to a fungal infection called Eutypa dieback if pruned during wet cold months. The fungus enters through pruning cuts killing branches and leaves.
Pruning apricot trees in summer avoids this disease. The warm, dry weather allows the cuts to heal quickly before rain returns. Summer pruning also benefits the tree by:
- Encouraging new growth and fruit bud formation.
- Increasing air circulation and light penetration.
- Shaping and containing tree size.
- Removing dead or damaged branches.
For the healthiest trees and best fruit production, summer pruning is recommended.
When to Prune Apricot Trees in Summer
Aim to prune apricot trees in summer after harvest when the tree is still actively growing. This allows plenty of time for healing before winter.
The ideal summer pruning timeframe is:
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Early summer – Prune in July-August after fruiting Avoid extremely hot over 100°F days
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Mid summer – Prune lightly to shape trees and thin crowding.
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Late summer – Slow down pruning in August-September to harden off for winter.
Pruning from mid to late summer keeps trees productive while giving cuts time to heal before cold weather.
How Often to Prune Apricot Trees
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New young trees – Need more corrective pruning to establish shape.
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Mature trees – Prune annually to maintain health, structure, and productivity.
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Old trees – Prune lightly to revitalize, removing deadwood and weak branches.
Frequent summer pruning while trees are young sets good structure. Annual pruning maintains vigor. Light pruning is needed for older trees.
What to Prune on Apricot Trees
When summer pruning apricot trees:
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Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches – Prevents spreading infection.
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Thin dense interior – Opens up center for light and air flow.
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Cut crossing and rubbing branches – Eliminates crowding and damage.
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Shorten long shoots – Encourages side branching and fruiting.
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Remove suckers and watersprouts – Cleans up errant new growth.
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Shape structure – Guide tree growth outward for best fruiting.
Focus on improving tree health and productivity when deciding what branches to prune out.
How to Prune Apricot Trees Step-by-Step
Follow these summer pruning guidelines for great results:
1. Sterilize Tools
Clean tools prevent spreading disease. Dip pruning shears and saws in a diluted bleach solution before trimming each tree.
2. Remove Unhealthy Growth
Cut out dead, damaged, or diseased wood first. Pruning these away improves tree health.
3. Open Up Center
Clear out branches in the interior to create an open vase shape. This allows light, air, and spray penetration.
4. Cut Back Long Shoots
Shorten fast-growing new shoots to 24-30 inches. This encourages branching and flower buds.
5. Thin Out Crowding
Selectively remove extra branches where too dense. Space key scaffold branches several inches apart.
6. Remove Upward and Downward Growth
Prune out branches that grow straight up or down. These will not be productive.
7. Shape Structure
Prune to guide outer branch expansion for maximum fruit production.
8. Clean Up Suckers and Watersprouts
Pinch off unwanted new vertical growth around base and interior.
9. Remove 20% of Prior Season’s Growth
Pruning out 1/5th of branches each summer prevents overgrowth.
10. Optimize Light Exposure
Prune excess foliage if needed to prevent sunburn on remaining branches.
Following these steps keeps trees healthy, shapely, and productive.
Pruning Tools Needed
Having the right pruning tools makes summer trimming easier:
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Bypass pruners – For cutting stems under 1/2 inch diameter.
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Loppers – For thick stems up to 1.5 inches wide.
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Hand pruning saw – For branches over 1.5 inches that pruners can’t cut.
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Pole pruner and saw – For reaching high branches safely.
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Sterilizing spray or wipes – For cleaning tools between trees.
Investing in quality tools allows precise, clean cuts that heal quickly.
Avoiding Mistakes When Pruning Apricot Trees
Some common pruning errors to avoid:
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Pruning too late in summer – Cuts won’t have time to heal before winter.
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Over-pruning – Removing too much foliage stresses the tree.
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Under-pruning – Letting trees get overgrown leads to shading and reduced fruiting.
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Pruning in wet conditions – Increases risk of fungal infection.
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Leaving branch stubs – Stubs die and invite decay. Make clean cuts.
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Using unsterilized tools – Can spread disease between trees.
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Painting cuts – Seals wounds instead of allowing air circulation to heal cuts.
With proper technique, you can prune apricot trees with great results!
Enjoy an Abundant Apricot Harvest
Summer pruning is vital for keeping apricot trees healthy and laden with plump, juicy fruits. Follow these tips to prune your apricot trees at the right time of year and spur vigorous growth. Taking the time for corrective shaping while trees are young pays off for years to come. Then make seasonal summer pruning a priority and you’ll enjoy bountiful apricot harvests.
About This Article
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Apricot trees can get sick, but if you prune them once a year, they will stay healthy and heal. It’s best to prune your apricot tree in late summer right after harvesting fruit. You’ll want to use sharp, clean pruning shears and a pruning saw to make the job easier. Start by cutting away any visibly dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, cut off any small sprouts that are coming out of the trunk. These can get in the way of other branches that are fruiting. To thin the branches, cut away smaller branches about a quarter-inch above where they connect to the trunk. Leave a few healthy branches in place so you don’t thin the tree too much. To learn how to shorten the height of your tree with pruning, read on!.
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- How can I tell where fruit will grow?
Answer from the Community: The fruit will start to grow where the flowers start to bloom and bees start to hover over them.
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- If you just planted your apricot tree, cut its height down to 24 to 30 inches (61 to 76 cm). Cutting each branch to the first or second bud closest to the trunk should be done if there are any below this point. [22] Roots lose some of their structure when a new tree is moved to a different spot. If you prune hard at this point, the tree’s roots and top will be balanced, and low branches will grow. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 .
- Do not stress out too much when you try to figure out how to prune your apricot tree. Even experts go about it in different ways. Even a little bit of trimming will help. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0 .
- If the wood you cut off when you prune your apricot tree isn’t sick, you can dry it and use it as firewood or in a smoker or wood oven. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 .
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How to prune Apricot trees
How do you shorten a apricot tree?
When you shorten a branch, cut just above a side branch or bud whenever possible. Here are the steps in pruning a newly planted apricot tree: Remove 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.) off the ground.
When should I trim my apricot tree?
Trim your tree as soon as possible after harvesting fruit. At this stage, the tree will still be in a growth phase and will be able to heal more quickly. Pruning in late summer gives your apricot tree more time to grow new branches, which means that your tree will produce more apricots next year. Acquire sharp pruning shears and a pruning saw.
Should apricot trees be pruned 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. Trim your tree as soon as possible after harvesting fruit. At this stage, the tree will still be in a growth phase and will be able to heal more quickly.
How do you prune a apricot tree?
Pruning in late summer gives your apricot tree more time to grow new branches, which means that your tree will produce more apricots next year. Acquire sharp pruning shears and a pruning saw. The blades on your shears should be sturdy, not corroded, and able clip through smaller branches. A pruning saw is usually necessary to cut thicker branches.