Pruning Apricot Trees for a Bigger Harvest

Apricot trees are highly underrated as far as both fruit and ornamental flowering trees! But these trees offer gorgeous spring and summer flowers, lush emerald leaves, and deliciously healthy fruit. Add one to your property today and enjoy all the juicy delicious benefits of ornamental edible landscaping, food sustainability, and healthy treats!

Read on about how to best ensure you get a bumper crop of these velvety, sweet and luscious early summer treats every year!

About Apricots
Pruning Apricot Trees
Planting & Care
Homegrown Summer Fruit

Tasty, Healthy Apricots

Apricot trees are quite handsome trees in the summer, displaying the furrowed bark and heart-shaped glossy leaves any aficionado has come to recognize! Apricot trees have enjoyed a long history of cultivation, seeming to have originated in China and then propagated throughout central Asia thanks to their nutritious fruit and stately profile. From there, the Romans spread them into Europe.

The scientific name, Prunus armeniaca, derives from the Armenian language because Apricot trees were cultivated in Armenia since ancient times. It was thought the fruit originated in that land until genetic studies confirmed its birthplace in Asia.

Apricot fruit is very tasty, and they are now widely grown and consumed in the United States. Apricot tree flowers can be either white or pink, and are often very fragrant! The trees produce a stone fruit with soft flesh that ripens to orange-yellow color. The sweet or sweet-tart flavor and creamy soft texture are divine! Featuring a velvety soft skin that is as much fun to feel as it is to let melt in your mouth!

Apricots contain good amounts of vitamin A and potassium and are also an excellent source of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and traces of sodium, sulfur, manganese, cobalt and bromine. Apricots do not store well, so they are typically eaten fresh, dried or frozen, plus Apricots are a staple of the jam industry!

A number of Apricot-Plum hybrids, such as Plumcot, Pluot, and Aprium, have been developed and are gaining popularity!

Browse our inventory of Apricot tree varieties that are appropriate for a wide range of USDA planting zones.

Pruning Your Apricot Tree

Training your tree from day one to grow strong, straight and compact will not only boost your yield, boost health, but also prolong the longevity of your tree!

Pruning Apricot trees should begin at an early age. Most fruit trees produce better quality fruit and live longer and healthier if properly maintained and pruned. Fruit tree pruning does not need to be complicated or confusing.

Many times the nursery will do the initial pruning on the dormant fruit tree. If the fruit tree arrives already pruned from the nursery, plant it without further pruning except to clean up any stems or foliage broken during shipping, or if you have any special pruning needs such as dwarfing or Espalier.

Bareroot Tree Pruning

If your dormant bareroot tree arrives with a long stem and is beginning to branch about 2-3 years of age. The mature root systems of our trees usually start producing fruit between 3-5 years of age. You can nip back the leader and cut the side branches back by at least two-thirds to promote vigorous new growth. Top pruning induces lateral branch growth in fruit trees, and this produces a more easily accessible tree branch and shapely form.

Pruning also diverts the expenditure of nourishment to form woody growth to that of buds and fruit.

Apricot trees generally have a moderate growth rate, but a few are faster and a few more can be on the slow and steady side. Prune in late winter when removing crossed, broken or potentially diseased branches, but prune in spring to maintain height and keeping a tree from getting any taller, if desired.

Pruning for Height Control

Tree height is a decision for the pruner. When there are vigorous branches above the chosen height, cut back or remove them. In late spring or early summer, pinch back all new growth. Size development and low fruiting wood are determined in the 3rd year.

Each branch should have at least 6 inches of free space around them. Remove all crossing branches that are too close together. Keeping fruit tree branches open to allow more light and freedom for bee movement is important. Sunlight and bees carrying pollen should increase productivity and create larger fruit.

All varieties of fruit trees can be maintained at a predetermined height if pruned consistently.

Thinning Fruit

Sometimes a fruit tree produces more fruit than it should or produces lots of fruit that is very small. So thinning your crop is a heartbreaking task that should be done to reduce how many fruits are on each branch so more energy can go into fewer Apricots, therefore making them larger instead.

Caring for Apricot Trees

Pollination Needs

Apricot trees can be either self-pollinating or require a pollinator tree, and NatureHills.com lists suitable pollinators for every Apricot tree in our inventory on each plant's individual information page. However, for larger crops per tree, even a self-pollinating tree will have a much larger yield with a pollinator buddy!

Apricot Tree Location

Growing Apricot trees in the backyard are not much different than raising them in an orchard setting. Selecting a location for planting is important. There are at least two main requirements - soil and sunlight. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best and the most fruit.

The Apricot tree blooms are susceptible to early frosts, so planting an Apricot tree in the lowest part of the yard would be counterproductive. It is best to select a high spot in the yard so the cold air can drain away from the trees when they are in bloom. The Apricot blossoms are very susceptible to frost, so a season's fruit production may be lost because of a few lower degrees of temperature.

Apricot Tree Planting

Before planting the Apricot tree, prepare the soil prior to planting by adding organic matter if needed, and check the drainage and nutrient status should you be unsure if it’s lacking either.

The soil pH for Apricot trees should be around 6.5 and 8.0, so it is important to get your soil tested. Then lime and fertility levels should be modified based on the soil test results. If you suspect poor drainage, and water pools in the area frequently, you may want to choose a new location, or mound 18-24 inches of native soil or topsoil over the area and plant your tree into that mound. Effectively raising its roots above the water table.

Soak the roots of bareroot plants, and completely saturate the soil of container-grown plants before planting.
Be sure you do not plant too deep. No deeper than they were growing in the nursery or in the pot is so very important.
Completely saturate the soil after backfilling with the same soil you excavated from the hole to eliminate any air pockets around the root system.
Add a layer of arborist mulch chips over the soil surface for insulation and moisture retention, while holding off evaporation in the summer sun.

Harvest Time

Wait until your fruit is fully colored and has no green anywhere and usually displays a sunkissed rosy or orange blush. (unless you have the Canadian White Blenheim Apricot, which has its own beautiful and unusual coloration!) Typically ripening in June or July, there are only a few Apricot tree varieties that ripen later in the summer.

The fruit should be slightly soft to the touch, not rock hard, with a touch of give when gently squeezed. They should smell enticing as well! These fruits ripen on the tree and can ripen further off the tree - but do so VERY quickly. So Apricots are not good for long-term storage. You’ll have to give away your surplus to grateful friends and neighbors, preserve, dry or freeze your harvest within a few days after harvest. But these soft and flavorful bite-sized nuggets of goodness will make eating them fresh by the handful an easy task!

Homegrown Summer Fruit!

Delectable, juicy, and refreshing summer fruit can be yours with ease! Let NatureHills.com help you enjoy the best Apricot harvest possible for you! If you even have the slightest inkling to grow one of these highly underrated trees, you’ll be glad you planted one in your yard right away!

Large and small, columnar and dwarf varieties are on sale now, so give one a try! You won't be disappointed!

Homegrown fruit straight from your own tree is one of life's simple pleasures! Get growing your own orchard of juicy and delightfully fuzzy gems today by ordering your Apricot trees from NatureHills.com today!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prune an apricot tree for the first time?

When pruning a young apricot tree for the first time, start training it from the earliest age possible to establish a strong, compact structure that will maximize fruit production and long-term health. Focus on creating a well-spaced framework of main branches that allows light and air to penetrate the canopy. Remove any crossing, damaged, or inward-growing branches with clean cuts, and aim to develop an open center or modified leader form. Beginning this training early sets the foundation for a longer-lived, higher-yielding tree, so do not wait until the tree is established to start shaping it.

Can apricot trees be pruned into a specific shape or size?

Yes, apricot trees can absolutely be trained into a specific shape and size, and doing so from an early age is highly recommended. Starting pruning when the tree is young allows you to develop a strong, straight, and compact form that boosts fruit yield, improves overall tree health, and extends the tree's lifespan. The most common training goal is an open-center or vase shape, which allows sunlight and airflow to reach the interior of the canopy. Begin shaping your apricot tree at planting time and maintain your desired form with annual pruning each year.

When is the best time to prune apricot trees?

The best time to prune apricot trees is during late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins but after the coldest temperatures have passed. Unlike many other fruit trees, apricot trees can also benefit from light summer pruning after harvest to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure. Avoid pruning in fall or during freezing temperatures, as fresh cuts can leave the tree vulnerable to damage and disease. Start training your young apricot tree from its first season to establish a strong, open framework that will support heavy fruit loads for years to come.

How do I trim dead or diseased branches from an apricot tree?

When removing dead or diseased branches from your apricot tree, always cut back to healthy wood, making your cut just outside the branch collar at a slight angle to encourage proper healing. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a pruning saw depending on branch thickness, and sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading disease. The best time to remove dead or diseased wood is during late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, though diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are identified regardless of season. Dispose of all diseased material away from your garden rather than composting it to avoid reinfecting your tree.

How do I prune a mature apricot tree to boost fruit production?

Pruning a mature apricot tree is best done in late winter or early spring, just as the buds begin to swell but before flowering begins. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches first, then thin the canopy to allow light and air to penetrate, which directly improves fruit size and quality. Keep the center of the tree open by cutting back any inward-growing branches to an outward-facing bud. Aim to maintain a balanced scaffold structure and remove no more than one-third of the tree's growth in a single season to avoid stressing the tree.

When should I prune apricot trees in Northern California?

In Northern California, apricot trees should be pruned during the dormant season, typically between December and early February, before new growth begins. This timing helps reduce the risk of Eutypa dieback, a serious fungal disease that thrives in wet conditions and is a significant concern for stone fruit trees in California. Avoid pruning during or just before rainy periods to minimize disease pressure. Make your cuts clean and precise, and aim to complete pruning by mid-February to allow the tree to heal before the spring bloom.

Can I prune my apricot tree in winter, spring, or fall?

Apricot trees are best pruned in late winter to early spring, just as the buds begin to swell but before full bloom, which helps minimize the risk of disease and encourages vigorous new growth. Unlike many other fruit trees, apricots are particularly vulnerable to fungal infections like Eutypa dieback when pruned in fall or during wet winter conditions, so those seasons should generally be avoided. Summer pruning of water sprouts and crossing branches is also acceptable once the tree has leafed out. For the healthiest tree and best fruit production, time your main pruning session to that late winter window and save any light corrective pruning for dry summer days.

How much can I safely prune off an overgrown apricot tree?

When rejuvenating an overgrown apricot tree, a general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the total canopy in a single season, as heavier pruning can stress the tree and trigger excessive suckering. Spread major renovation work over two to three years, timing your cuts during the dormant season in late winter before bud break, which minimizes the risk of cytospora canker and other fungal diseases that apricots are prone to. Focus each session on removing dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches first, then work on opening the canopy to improve light penetration and air circulation. Start this season by targeting the worst offenders, then reassess the tree's response before making additional cuts in subsequent years.

Should I prune my apricot tree after harvest or before new growth starts?

Apricot trees are best pruned in late winter or very early spring, just before new growth begins, as this timing promotes vigorous growth and helps the tree recover quickly. Unlike some fruit trees, apricots are also commonly pruned right after harvest in summer, which can help reduce the risk of disease like Eutypa dieback, particularly in humid climates. Avoid heavy pruning in fall or mid-winter, as this can expose the tree to cold damage and fungal infection. Begin training your tree from its first year and prune consistently each season to maintain a strong, open structure that maximizes air circulation and fruit production.

What tools do I need to prune an apricot tree properly?

To prune an apricot tree properly, you will need sharp bypass pruners for smaller branches up to about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, loppers for branches up to two inches thick, and a pruning saw for any larger structural cuts. Always ensure your tools are clean and sharp before you begin, as dull blades crush rather than cut cleanly and can introduce disease to your tree. Sterilize your tools with a diluted bleach solution or rubbing alcohol between cuts, especially when removing any diseased wood. Visit naturehills.com to browse our apricot tree varieties and get started building your home orchard today.

Guide to Pruning Your Apricot Tree!