Can i prune my sick apricot tree in August

Question

I have an Apricot tree that apears to have some sick branches can I trim it even though its August

Answer 1

Pruning apricots is done with a lighter hand than some other stone fruit trees as they are susceptible to the disease gummosis which can enter through the pruning cuts. Use a sealant on the cuts. Remove dead or diseased wood or any rubbing together or crowding the center . Also take out weak spurs. Disinfect your tools as you work,

and do your pruning shortly after the picking season, dont wait for winter

If it appears that the disease is advanced, don`t wait at all. The risk to the tree from early pruning is far less than letting the disease spread. Don`t leave any prunings to lay rotting near the tree. Also remove any fallen fruit or leaves.