When do I trim my new apricot tree?

Question

I put in a new apricot tree this spring and it is getting small shoots coming out of it up and down the main part of the tree. I do not want to let them get big as I do not want branches growing that close to the ground. They are only a couple inches long with 2 or 3 leaves on each. This is a very young tree that is only about 5 foot tall right now. Can I cut off the shoots at any time or let them grow and do it in the fall when the tree is dormant? Thanks.

Answer 1

Yeh, either.  If they are small you can just keep them trimmed off.  But its maybe better to do a major pruning in the fall.  

Look for the Arizona Master Gardener Manual, on-line. They have good instructions.  

Just be sure to keep any root sprouts, suckers trimmed off.

Answer 2

when you feel like it

Answer 3

For newly planted trees you really don't want to prune at all yet.

You should wait and let them grow and develop a bit more before pruning.

Pruning Immature Fruit Trees

A fruit tree which has not started to bear fruit requires little pruning except to select main (scaffold) branches. This selection of scaffold branches should be done as soon as possible. Don't prune any more than absolutely necessary. Pruning will r****d growth but it will also delay fruiting. The four to six scaffold branches should be 8-18" apart, evenly distributed around the trunk, and have relatively wide crotch angles (at least 45 degrees) with the trunk. The branches on plums, apricots and sour cherries can be slightly closer together. Branch spreaders can be used to widen the crotch angles on small branches.

However of a larger more established tree, trim the tree in the spring BEFORE the leaves develop.

http://www.ext.nodak.edu/county/cass/hor...

When to Prune

The proper time to prune is in early spring when the danger of severe cold weather has pasted and before new growth occurs. However, suckers and broken, dead and diseased branches should be removed at any time. Sterilize pruning tools between cuts with a 10% bleach solution (1 1/2 cups bleach to 1 gallon water) when pruning branches infected with fireblight (see circular PP-454 revised, "Diseases of Apples and other Pome Fruits"). Pruning paint or a wound dressing should be used on trees which can be infected with fireblight. Either asphalt-water emulsion or shellac makes a good wound dressing. Latex (water base) paints are also satisfactory.

Answer 4

from Hobo's info...

suckers and broken, dead and diseased branches should be removed at any time.

don't cut them off, rub them off... gently.... cutting just encourages more to form... push with your thumb, sideways , back and forth, until they let go... don't rip the bark, just remove the little sucker....

Answer 5

You should do it in the fall of the year,I use to have one until the children  killed it by climbing up in it .............I still miss it. I might have to get another one.