How to Manage Pests

Pruning apricot trees

Apricots are pruned during the early development and as they mature. It is not uncommon to take out the 2-year or older branches that begin to bend down. Cut them back entirely to an upright growing branch; do not head them. Remove shoots from the center of the tree and cut out interfering limbs and dead and diseased wood. In wet winter areas, apricots should be pruned in late August to allow time for the pruning wounds to close. This will help to prevent Eutypa fungus from invading the tree. Allow 6 weeks prior to the beginning of winter rains for wounds to close. Avoid cutting into the branch bark ridge, which is where new tissue that promotes wound closure originates.