Apricot Tree Pruning Techniques: Key Points and Methods Explained

Pruning apricot trees is an important part of apricot production, and proper pruning plays an extremely important role in tree formation and in increasing fruit yield. Apricot tree pruning is generally divided into young tree stage pruning, full fruit stage pruning, and winter pruning. Let's take a detailed look below with the editor.

I. Young Tree Stage Pruning

1. Pruning tree shape

During the young tree stage of apricot trees, when the trunk grows to 40-50 cm, it is enough to keep 3 main branches at the base, and then keep 4-6 secondary main branches on each main branch. After that, there is no need to prune branches. Maintain this tree shape; excess branches and side branches can be pruned away.

2. Cutting branches short

During the shaping of apricot trees, the extension branches of the main and side branches need to be cut back. The degree of cutting back depends on the vigor of the branch: stronger branches should be pruned lightly, while weaker branches should be pruned heavily. The cutting-back length should be one-third or two-fifths of the branch.

II. Full Fruit Stage Pruning

1. Cutting back to promote fruiting

When apricot trees are fruiting, some nutrient branches and extension branches need to be properly pruned. They need to be cut back to encourage new branches to sprout and lay the foundation for high yield. Cutting back must be done at the right time. If the cut is too light, although more branches will sprout, the sprouted branches will be relatively weak, causing the fruit tree to lose balance and shortening the full fruit years.

2. Pinching back vigorous shoots

During the growth of apricot trees, some branches grow too vigorously. If they are not stopped, they will consume too many nutrients, which is not conducive to fruit enlargement. If a vigorous shoot is useful, it can be pinched back and cultivated into a fruiting branch; if it is useless, then simply cut it off.

III. Winter Pruning

Winter pruning first requires thinning. Branches that grow too densely at the base should be pruned in time. Overly dense branches and crossing branches in the middle and upper part of the canopy should also be pruned. Thinning can improve the tree's ventilation and light penetration, which helps promote the overall growth of the tree. In addition, cut back the main branch divisions of one-year-old and perennial branches. Aside from keeping a few important main branches, the rest can be pruned away. Branches and leaves can promote later branch growth and help control the tree shape so the tree grows better in the future.

  The above is an introduction to apricot tree pruning techniques. I hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.