Don’t let the name fool you—a columnar apricot tree won’t just grow into that perfect pillar shape all on its own. If you want that sleek look (and a massive harvest of juicy fruit), you’re going to have to get comfortable with your pruning shears. It’s all about balancing aesthetics with productivity!
When is the best time to prune columnar apricots?
Most fruit trees get their “haircut” during the fall or winter while they’re dormant, but columnar apricots are a bit different. These trees love a warm, Mediterranean-style climate and really don’t handle winter pruning well in our neck of the woods. Cutting them back in the dead of winter can lead to dieback or, in the worst-case scenario, kill the whole tree.
Instead, aim to prune during the growing season. Your tree will handle it much better, and you can even do a light trim several times a year. Just try to avoid the absolute hottest, driest days of summer. Rather than one radical chop, I recommend two or three light sessions—it’s much easier on the plant. For the best results, wait for a day that is:
- Warm,
- Overcast or rainy,
- And slightly breezy.
Trimming the main leader
You’ll want to start training your tree early. Don’t wait until it hits its maximum height to start pruning! This includes the main vertical stem, or the “leader.” Shortening the leader early on encourages the tree to develop those essential side branches. Even if you’re tempted to let it skyrocket, try to cut the leader back by about a third every year. This is a huge help for future flower production.
Managing the side branches
Along with the main trunk, those side branches need some attention too. Modern columnar apricot varieties are actually *too* good at their jobs—they can produce so much fruit that the branches might literally snap under the weight! To keep the tree healthy and looking sharp, trim the side branches back to about two or three pairs of buds (eyes). If you’ve got a particularly fast grower on your hands, you might need to repeat this process up to three times a year.
At the end of the day, gardening is also about the “look.” Even though this is a functional fruit tree, you want it to look great in your yard. Use your best judgment: prune so the tree has an airy, open feel. You want to make sure the crown doesn’t get too dense or tangled so that every apricot gets its moment in the sun!
