Once the tree is mature, if proper training took place, pruning is nearly unnecessary except to reduce downward weak branches, waterspouts and remove dead wood. When to prune . When to Prune Plum Trees in the UK Plum tree pruning is a task you only need to do once a year to ensure healthy growth and reduce the chance of any problems from developing. Never prune an apricot in the autumn or winter months. Espalier is the art of training a tree, shrub or vine to lie flat against a trellis or wall. The time to prune apricot trees is during winter when the trees … In early spring  feed with a general fertiliser such as Growmore or Vitax Q4 at 100g per sq m (3oz  per sq yd). Avoid planting in frost pockets. SoU: mid-August. SoU = season of use‘Alfred’: Orange to pink flushed skin. If you wish to espalier a fruit tree, choose a cultivar grafted to a dwarf rootstock. Apricot trees should be pruned in March or early April, when the tree is active, in full leaf and with buds starting to flower. If you like the video please subscribe and press the little bell to get notified when a new video comes out. times, RHS Registered Charity no. SoU: early August‘Moorpark’: Pale yellow fruit with orange blush, best against a warm wall. The optimum months for pruning are December through February. You can go with dwarf varieties like; ‘Stella,’ and ‘Stark Golden Glo.’ Though you can grow any apricot as a dwarf, by pruning and keeping it small. See our advice on tree and shrub planting for information on planting fruit trees. SoU: early August‘Tomcot’: Better for UK climate, fully ripe fruit has red tinges. Later in early summer, as the fruits begin to swell, thin pairs and clusters so that those left to ripen are spaced at 5-8cm (2-3in). Apricots (and other stone fruit) should not be pruned during winter, to minimise the risk of infection by silver leaf and bacterial canker. Apricots fruit at the base of one-year-old shoots, and on two-year-old and older wood. Don’t prune in damp weather and keep the pruning to a minimum once a framework is established. The best time to prune Apricot trees is after the coldest part of the winter has passed, but before they start to flower. When to prune an apricot tree It’s traditional to prune all stone fruits in summer because most suffer from bacterial canker and silver leaf diseas. Heavy pruning is best avoided, as larger pruning cuts often do not heal well. Feed annually. Pruning Apricot Trees Like all stone fruit, apricots should be pruned in the spring, as they are susceptible to bacterial cankers that infect pruning wounds that don't heal quickly. This pruning should be done at the right time of year and on the right places on the tree to ensure that the fruit is plentiful and accessible to you. Elsewhere prune apricots in late winter. Never prune an apricot in the autumn or winter months. How to Prune Fruit Trees. the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9. Skip forward 45 years and those apricot trees are still there, overgrown with jasmine and weeds. As soon as branches are cut back or removed. 19 June 2019. Dormant pruning in early spring is also the time to remove dead wood and errant growth that is weak and diminishes fruiting. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. The theory is that the running sap seals the cut quickly and keeps diseases out. Here are our tips on how to prune free-standing apricot trees: View our site map, an index to the content on this website. It won't make the fruit smaller or the tree less productive, but it will control its size. Read more information on pruning mature fan-trained apricots. SoU: early August‘Golden Glow’: Tolerates cold winters and UK climate. Trees grown from seed or cuttings will be much larger trees than those grafted onto a chosen rootstock, and are likely to be slower to start fruiting. Apricots fruit at the base of one-year-old shoots, and on two-year-old and older wood. When pruning apricot trees, make sure to remove any damaged and diseased branches, as well as those that give no fruit. You can also prune overgrown apples and pears in summer. Apricots generally do not need fruit thinning. During the training period of the tree is essential prune in green if we want to get: a rational distribution of skeleton of the tree; a larger volume and a rapid entry into production. Peach trees … Alternatively remove the branch entirely. Because they are so fast growing, it's important to know how to prune them effectively. However, apricots are much less prone to disease than other stone fruit so they can be pruned in winter or summer. Start thinning when the fruit reaches cherry size in late spring and remove misshapen fruits first. Less prone to canker. It’s best to complete the pruning just before the growth starts in … See picture on the right. Particularly under cover tortrix moth caterpillars and glasshouse red spider mite can be a problem. Prune only when the tree is naked. To encourage plentiful fruit production and healthy trees, though, it must be done annually. Apricot trees should be pruned in March or early April, when the tree is active, in full leaf and with buds starting to flower. Good for eating fresh. These are the basics that will get you by and help the tree to produce fruits early in life. Aim for a well-balanced crown, keeping the centre free from shoots to allow good light penetration. Apricot trees fruit on 1 year old wood, so benefit from quite hard pruning to remove old shoots (grey in colour) that will no longer produce fruit. Fruit smaller, but well-flavoured. Peach leaf curl is seldom a problem. SoU: late July ‘Goldcot’: Regular crops of golden-yellow fruit, good for UK climate. Those below are well suited for container cultivation. When: November to early March. However, young trees still require initial training and mature trees benefit from thinning of old wood on mature trees. We value your privacy: we won’t give or sell your data to anyone else. As fruit will only form on year old wood, your tree will not need pruning at all in its first year, except to remove dead or damaged branches. This encourages a … Pruning peach trees is labour intensive. RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected Mulberry trees are deciduous trees that are fast growing and bear edible fruit. Apricots bear fruit on shoots made the previous summer and on short spurs from the older wood. They do not like either the cold of winter or the heat of summer to be interrupted, and mild weather in late autumn or cold … Prune in spring or mid to late summer in cooler climates. Aim to prevent drought stress, especially in early to midsummer when the fruit is swelling. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, General enquiries Apricots (including compact cultivars) are usually grafted onto rootstocks to limit their size, but truly dwarfing rootstocks are not available. Apricot trees prefer a simple regime of cold dry winters (with at least 500-700 hours below 5 degrees centigrade) and hot dry sunny summers. These videos apply equally to trees with fruits containing pips (such as apples and pears) and those containing stones (such as plum and cherry).. Wait until late summer to prune your apricot tree. However, they flower very early in the season when few pollinating insects are around so hand pollination with a soft paintbrush or similar is usually needed. © 2021 Suffolk Fruit and Trees - The Fruit Tree Specialists - Website by Business Web Solutions. See initial pruning of fan-trained trees and established pruning of fans. Summer prune fan or espalier trees in late July to force the plants energy into the fruit. Although decay is a normal process in terms of a trees life cycle, advancing this process by incorrect pruning can have serious consequences by compromising the health and structural integrity of the tree. Suitable for wall training as well as a free-standing tree. On light sandy soils incorporate organic matter such as garden compost or manure based soil conditioner in the planting area to improve moisture retention. 222879/SC038262. Prune side shoots to two or three buds. But if you don’t prune your tree correctly, you can hurt it more than help it. Trees may respond to larger pruning cuts by sending up a mass of new shoots. Apricots are hardy deciduous trees producing delicious fruit, but they need shelter and warmth to protect their early flowers and ensure fruit ripening. Among the pruning of the apricot there is no doubt that pruning in green is the least practiced. Apricots can start flowering very early in the season. Fan trained trees need regular pruning twice a year in early summer and after fruiting. Container grown trees are best overwintered under cover such as in a cold greenhouse. However, frost protection may still be needed to prevent flower damage. This will usually take place in late winter. In late winter apply of sulphate of potash at 35g per sq m (1oz per sq yd) around the base of the trees. If thinning is required, it should be done in stages. Only prune in spring or from the end of July to the end of August or in spring when the sap is rising. Growing Apricot in pots is a perfect choice for gardeners with limited space. The critical aspect of peach tree pruning is timing. To prevent blossom damage plant in a warm sheltered site. However, sometimes fruit set can be exceptionally good. T: 01242 522152 | E: admin@trees.org.uk www.trees.org.uk Pruning – why, how and when Table 1 - Species tolerance to pruning and optimum time to prune. Apricots can be prone to bacterial canker, honey fungus, blossom wilt, brown rot and silver leaf. Pruning of young trees is carried out after bud burst in early spring; established trees are pruned in summer. Where this happens the shoots will need to be thinned in the summer to leave just one or two. The guiding principle should be to remove dead, diseased or weak growth and ensure that branches are not crossing. During this period of time the tree is actively growing and the pruning cuts heal quickly so that diseases have little chance to enter the wounds. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. Apricots are generally propagated by grafting or budding. Apricots can be grown as an open-centred bush tree with a clear stem of 75cm (2½ft) or pyramid if planted in a warm, very sheltered, sunny spot. When to Prune Apricot Trees Prune apricot trees in late winter or early spring as the new leaves and flowers begin to open. These are from the rootstock the apple or pear trees are grafted onto, sending up new shoots. Like any other deciduous fruit tree, apricots should be pruned only after it has shed all its leaves. In colder areas consider growing under cover in a cold greenhouse either fan trained in the glasshouse border or grown in containers. Pruning is an essential part of fruit tree care. Pests such aphids, winter moth and bird damage may be troublesome. To prevent this disease from infecting the tree, do the annual pruning at the end of summer about six weeks before the seasonal rains begin. If you are pruning it too late, you will lose blossoms and fruit. Winter Apricot: They require very little pruning. Young apricot trees are at high risk for damage from insects that bore into the main trunk. Prune dwarf fruit trees when you plant them, before growth starts, and again each year in late winter or early spring. One has the characteristic fungi of tree rot extending down one side of the main trunk. Bush trained apricots trees do not require as precise pruning as apples and pears. [2] X Expert Source Steve Masley Home & Garden Specialist Expert Interview. At this stage, wounds heal more quickly and the trees are less liable to be infected by the fungus causing die-back. Remove suckers growing around the base of apple and pear trees. Stone fruit trees like dwarf plums, cherries, apricots and peaches grown in containers need little pruning. Many other types of fruit trees are best pruned in the winter while they’re dormant, but apricot trees can be especially prone to catching disease. When considering growing apricot as a fan, bear in mind that wall space of 3.5-5m (11-16ft) wide and 2-2.5m (6½-8ft) high is needed. Spotted wing drosophila is becoming an increasing problem on a wide range of fruit, including stone fruit such as apricots. Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. Fruit trees to prune in summer Trees grown under cover have to be hand pollinated. When to prune. It is really important to make sure that you know when you should prune the apricot tree. 020 3176 5800 Check out the video below to learn about pruning a newly planted bare root tree. Apricots grow vigorously when in the growing season and trimming these to their parent branch is important, so they can't shade the fruit. Pruning of young trees is carried out after bud burst in early spring; established trees are pruned in summer. All pruning is best carried out over winter. Mulch with organic matter, such as manure based soil conditioner in late winter to reduce moisture stress. Apricots (and other stone fruit) should not be pruned during winter, to minimise the risk of infection by silver leaf and bacterial canker. Thinning of branches on an old, neglected apricot tree should be staged over several years in summer. Aim to prune to a strong existing shoot that is at least one third of the diameter of the branch that you are removing rather than leaving bare branch stumps that can be prone to dieback. SoU: early August‘Flavorcot’: Regular crops. At this stage, wounds heal more quickly and the trees are less liable to be infected by the fungus causing die-back. Always disinfect your secateurs afterwards, with bleach or white spirit, to avoid spreading infection. Pruning the newly planted Apricot tree It is wise to prune soon after planting; the main leader should be shortened by about a third of it’s current length and any side shoots reduced to 3”. Apricots prefer deeper, fertile soils with pH 6.5 to 7.5 with good drainage. History of Apricot Trees The best time to prune apple trees is either late in the winter or early in the spring because that’s the time when the tree is entering a dormant state after shedding its leaves and before new buds appear. Notes. You can prune your apricot trees when they are dormant in winter through the time they begin to bloom. Growing apricots as fans against a sheltered south-, south-west or west-facing wall helps to reduce potential cold damage and ripen fruit. It is more practical doing this with apricots that have been fan trained. Join They say, once an apricot tree blooms, you can expect the fruits yearly, for the next 60-80 years or so! If you are pruning it too early the trees are more prone to getting diseases. One of the best flavoured. Species Tolerance to hard pruning Good, Fair or Poor Optimum time to prune Notes Deciduous trees Acacia Fair Spring (late) Living wood most obvious, dead can be easily identified Torinel: semi-dwarfing, improved tolerance to unfavourable soil sol conditions, 3-3.5m (10-11ft)Krymsk 86: semi-vigorous, more tolerant of heavier, wet soils, 3.5-4m (11-13ft)St Julian A: semi-vigorous, widely used, tolerant of wide range of soil conditions, 4.5-5m (15-16ft). Named cultivars will not come true from seed, but seedlings may produce worthwhile trees. Apricots are self-fertile. It also corrects problems early, and your cuts will be smaller. There are some naturally compact cultivars that are well-suited for container cultivation. So, now that you know when to prune fruit trees, it’s important to how to prune your tree. A video that shows how to Prune Apricot trees. Free-standing fruit trees or bush trees, such as those grown in an orchard should be pruned when they're dormant, in winter. SoU: late July‘Vigama’: Good for UK climate, flowers over an extended period. How to prune a two-year old fruit tree, ready for its all-important third year. Flowers are vulnerable to frost damage so frost protection with fleece or plastic sheeting is desirable. When to prune. To receive our free monthly newsletter with tips on care for a garden orchard, just fill out the form above. 'Garden Aprigold': Golden yellow fruit, height about 1.5m (5ft)‘Apricompakt’: Medium-size, orange fruit, height about 2m (6½ft)‘Compacta’: Orange fruit, height about 2m (6½ft). RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. Timing and technique are the keys to healthy, productive peach trees. If the decision has been made to prune or remove a branch, then a decision has to be made when to carry out the work. 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