How to prune a mature apricot tree

Before you start, it is important to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a pair of sharp pruning shears, loppers, a pruning saw, and gloves to protect your hands.

The first step is to remove any dead or diseased branches. These can be easily identified by their lack of leaves and bark. Use your pruning shears or pruning saw to cut them cleanly. Dead and diseased branches can harm the tree and should be removed as soon as possible.

Next, it is important to thin out any crossing or rubbing branches. These can cause wounds on the tree, which can lead to disease and infection. Cut them back to the main trunk or to a healthy side shoot, leaving a small stub.

You also need to remove any water sprouts or suckers. These are branches that shoot up from the base of the tree or along the trunk. They usually grow fast and do not produce any fruit. Use your pruning shears or loppers to remove them at the base.

After thinning out the branches, you can start shaping the tree. Mature apricot trees should have a vase-like shape, with an open center to allow sunlight and air to circulate through the tree. To achieve this, remove any vertical branches that are growing toward the center of the tree. Cut them back to a strong lateral branch or to the main trunk.

You also want to thin out the top of the tree to let sunlight in. Look for branches that are growing straight up or are shading the rest of the tree. Cut them back to a healthy lateral branch, leaving a small stub.

Another important step is to remove any fruit spurs that are too old. Fruit spurs are the small branches that produce apricots. They usually last for two to four years before they stop bearing fruit. Old spurs can be identified by their thick, woody appearance and lack of new growth. Cut them back to a healthy side shoot or to the main trunk.

Finally, you want to end up with a tree that is the right size for your garden. If the apricot tree has gotten too large, you can prune it back by up to one-third of its size. Cut back the tallest branches first to reduce the overall height of the tree.

Remember to always make clean cuts and avoid damaging the bark. Use a pruning sealant or paste on larger cuts to prevent disease and pests from entering the wound.

In conclusion, pruning a mature apricot tree may seem daunting, but it is a necessary task to promote healthy growth and increase fruit production. Use the right tools and follow these simple steps to keep your apricot tree healthy and productive for years to come.