There are various options for pruning apricots. Find out interesting facts about the subtle differences between winter and summer pruning.
How and when do I cut an apricot?
For a successful apricot pruning, you should thin out the tree, cut at a slight angle, cut off above an outward-facing eye and treat larger wounds with tree resin. The best time is after harvest (August to October) or in late winter in frost-free conditions (March to April).
Like other fruit trees
The goal when pruning the apricot is to ensure a sufficient supply of flowers, leaves and fruits with:
- Light
- Sun
- Air
This means that hobby gardeners can offer their apricot trees good conditions for lush growth. Depending on the variety, a rich harvest follows from July to September.
Important basics:The apricot tree is primarily thinned out rather than pruned. When cutting, always make sure the cut is made at a slight angle. Ideally, disinfected and very sharp cutting tools are used. When cutting, this must under no circumstances crush the branches.
Tip: Cut just above an eye that faces outward
To prevent pest infestation and diseases, treat larger cuts (around 2 euro pieces) with tree resin. An ideal cut is also characterized by the fact that the apricot has a roof-shaped crown. An angle of 45 degrees is optimal.
In the first and second year after, all competing shoots are cut off. In this way, the leading instinct can develop freely.
The following is blended:
- Deadwood
- Shoots with growing direction inwards
- Water shoots: vertically growing shoots
- damaged branches and twigs (e.g. eaten by animals)
- cut off broom-like shoots (near the ground)
Finding the right time:
For our regions, regular blending after the harvest is recommended. Summer pruning takes place between August and October, depending on the variety. In any case, there should be no signs of frost yet.
If you miss this point, winter pruning is a good idea. Choose a frost-free moment between March and April. Make sure that you primarily intersect annual shoots.
Tips & Tricks
In particularly clayey soils, apricot trees delight with their magnificent growth. In these cases, annual pruning plays an important role.