- 1). Prune apricot trees annually. Disinfect the pruning shears and loppers using simple rubbing alcohol before using them for pruning to prevent the spread of disease.
- 2). Prune apricot trees after the spring flowers have set. Cut back the outside old growth first using loppres or handheld bypass pruners.
- 3). Thin out the old growth inside of the tree. Thinning the interior of the tree will allow sunlight to penetrate and encourage the new growth to grow.
- 4). Pruning the tree too extensively will destroy next year's crop so only cut back 20 percent of the tree. Moderately prune the tree with nothing severe unless the tree has been neglected for years.
- 5). Spread tree sealant over any tree wounds that are more then 2 inches in diameter. The sealant is thick like tar and will harden quickly to prevent disease from spreading into the open wounds.
- 6). Fertilize apricot trees using a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer that can be sprinkled at the base of the tree and thoroughly watered in. Fertilizer should be applied in the late winter.
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