{"id":11248,"date":"2022-01-04T12:59:12","date_gmt":"2022-01-04T12:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=11248"},"modified":"2022-11-07T10:26:38","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T10:26:38","slug":"how-to-care-for-an-apricot-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-care-for-an-apricot-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Care For An Apricot Tree?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Apricot trees can produce an abundance of delicious, sweet fruits earlier than many other fruit trees. They can survive relatively cold winters and like warm, dry summers. There are many different types to suit different climates and plot sizes, but how do you take care of an apricot tree? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Take Care of An Apricot Tree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you plant an apricot tree<\/a> from a pit, as a sapling, or are lucky enough to already have one in your yard, then you\u2019ll need to know how to take good care of it, especially if you want to maximize its fruit yield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It normally takes around three to four years from planting for an apricot tree to start bearing fruit. So, here\u2019s what you need to know to get a bountiful harvest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To help improve the health and growth rate of your young apricot tree, it may require feeding. Mature fruit trees don\u2019t generally need any fertilizer added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To determine if your young tree does require fertilizer, check its annual growth. It should grow 8 to 15 inches per year. Less than this indicates you can apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring before the fruit starts to set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quantity of fertilizer required is generally dependent on how long the tree has been planted \u2013 more information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your apricot tree is surrounded by a lawn that is regularly fertilized, then you won\u2019t need to add additional fertilizer to the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be more beneficial to use a low nitrogen feed, as too much nitrogen encourages excessive leaf growth, reducing fruit production. If this is a problem, you can plant a cover crop around the fruit tree to take up the excess nitrogen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To fertilize your tree effectively, add special fruit tree spikes around the base of your tree. These can usually be found in your local garden store or online and provide the root system with a gradual and continuous supply of essential nutrients over a long period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can dress around the tree’s base with a slow-release fertilizer formula. This usually comes in the form of granules, but be aware that it may be toxic to pets and could be harmful if eaten by children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pruning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is necessary to remove any diseased or dead branches from your apricot tree to keep it healthy. You also want to cut out any wood that no longer produces fruit or is more than six years old. This should be done in early spring<\/a>, just before the new growing season begins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also thin out the branches at this time to allow more sunlight to reach the lower parts of the tree. This helps to stop it from sending up new vertical branches to reach the light that can make harvesting fruit difficult and spoil the tree’s appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinning out the branches also helps increase air circulation, which is beneficial in the prevention of mold and mildew. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soft fruit trees like apricots, plums, and peaches are often affected by fungal diseases such as brown rot and bacterial canker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brown rot is treated with a fungicide spray, or you can buy special cultivars of apricot trees that are naturally resistant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canker is caused by too much water in the soil, so ensure that the area you choose to plant your tree has free-draining ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aphids and peach twig borers are two common pests. Aphids can be controlled using a spray applied to the tree where the insect\u2019s cluster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using strong chemical sprays will do the job, but, if like me, you\u2019d rather not ingest these types of pesticides, you can opt for a more natural alternative. For an effective natural spray, I found this recipe<\/a> you can make yourself at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twig borers can be controlled by applying insecticide before the apricot flowers bloom in early spring and then immediately after the flower petals fall before the fruit starts to grow. You\u2019ll find a range of natural ones at garden stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wind Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Young trees can easily be destroyed by a strong wind. While your sapling is still growing, it\u2019s a good idea to stake it to help avoid wind damage. This handy video shows you all the dos and don\u2019ts of staking young trees: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nUCUs-Z6fgc<\/a>