How to Fan Prune an Apricot Tree

Allow apricots to completely ripen on the tree.

While many fruit trees are grown as espalier, apricot trees thrive when grown as a fan against a south-facing wall. Apricots and peaches fruit on the previous season's growth, so pruning to a fan is a better choice than using traditional espalier techniques. Like espalier, select a dwarf apricot tree. Position and plant the tree 8 to 12 inches from the wall, then prune to a fan.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Examine the apricot tree's trunk carefully. Locate a set of buds approximately 1 foot above the ground, facing right and left.

2. Cut the tree trunk just above the top bud, angling the cut at a 45-degree angle toward the lower bud. These buds grow into two branches, providing the Y-shaped structure of the fan.

3. Allow the tree to leaf out for the first summer. In August or September, remove all the leaves and small branches from the trunk below the two main branches.

4. Remove all buds and branches growing both toward and out from the wall. Prune lightly along the two main branches, mainly to provide even spacing along the small side branches. Trim the small branches as needed to fit the space available.

5. Shorten the two long branches, or leaders, when they begin to outgrow the space.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with the agricultural extension office for information on apricots and the best varieties for your local climate.

• Train the two main branches to a 45-degree angle, using stakes, canes or wires -- if necessary -- to maintain the shape.

• Prune between February and September.

• To avoid broken or weakened branches, remove all the fruits for the first two years, then thin each year.

• When growing outside of the normal zone in a microclimate, protect the apricot tree in winter with mulch, plastic, desiccants or a temporary greenhouse.

• Wear gloves and safety glasses when pruning.

• If one branch begins to outgrow the other, either remove or cut back. The two main branches should be equal sizes.

• Monitor apricot trees for aphids and diseases. Remove dead and dying branches as soon as possible.

References

• Orange Pippin Fruit Trees: How to Train Fruit Trees as Fans and Espaliers
• Pots2Plots: How to Grow Apricots

Resources

• University of Maine; Planting and Early Care of Fruit Trees; James R. Schupp; 1997
• Iowa State University Extension; Pruning and Training Fruit Trees; Paul A. Domoto; September 2008
• West Virginia University Extension Service; Home Orchard Management; Tara Auxt Baugher, et al.