Thoughts on pruning…or lack thereof? Hi all, this might sound a bit odd, but trees are very hard to grow in the high desert (and our definition of what a shade tree is is a lot smaller than those who live in non desert areas would define it) and for the last few years we’ve limped along with various deciduous non fruit trees. Then, I purchased a harcot apricot bareroot tree 2 years ago, planted it, and I can only describe the growth as absolutely EXPLOSIVE. This is my first apricot tree and I had no idea they grew so aggressively. It has put on at least 6’ of growth this season alone. That’s unheard of for most high desert trees. So this got me thinking, what if I grow more apricot trees around my property for the purpose of shade and size only? Most trees aren’t so happy growing in our sandy ground… but my apricot? It LOVES it here and I want to take advantage of that.
Question: I recently purchased these two apricots (chinese mormon and harcot) and they have a long central leader. They are approx 8’ tall. If I am growing strictly for shade only, should I just let them soar? Do minimal, if any pruning? Thanks!
If your not worried about the shape just let them go. Keep in mind that apricots like to grow vertically. If you want a lot of width you may need to cut on it some. I’ve got Mormon and it’s a monster sized tree. Think it originated in Utah.
Awesome thanks. Yep, not worried about shape or fruit production, just want it to sprawl and get huge to give us a little shade. That’s great to hear about your tree!
I’ve pretty much given up on apricots as fruit bearing trees here in the Southern Rockies.
Still, they are pretty, small, flowering landscape trees, so why not?
They come from Central Asia. There’s really no reason why they have to be these delicate Mediterranean-type plants. Consequently, the Harrow, Ontario ag station produced several.
All things being equal, why not take a flyer on one of those?
As I recall, Alan Haigh of this forum liked Hargrande. But there are others. They usually have ‘har’ in their names.
I got a spreading tree with some branch bending. Used bungee cords at one point.
If you want a shade tree with some height those two trees could use some training. Most importantly on the taller tree on the right take out one side of that fork up on top. I’d also take off all the lower branches. That would be for a tree that you could walk under or set under. If you want a canopy close to the ground just take out the fork.
As with any tree good branching with a wide crotch angle is important. Train don’t just assume they’ll grow strong on their own. I’ve got a 40 foot tall pecan that really need training 60 years ago long before I got here. It’s probably going to split in two at some point.
Hi all, this might sound a bit odd, but trees are very hard to grow in the high desert (and our definition of what a shade tree is is a lot smaller than those who live in non desert areas would define it) and for the last few years we’ve limped along with various deciduous non fruit trees. Then, I purchased a harcot apricot bareroot tree 2 years ago, planted it, and I can only describe the growth as absolutely EXPLOSIVE. This is my first apricot tree and I had no idea they grew so aggressively. It has put on at least 6’ of growth this season alone. That’s unheard of for most high desert trees. So this got me thinking, what if I grow more apricot trees around my property for the purpose of shade and size only? Most trees aren’t so happy growing in our sandy ground… but my apricot? It LOVES it here and I want to take advantage of that.
