Essential April Care for Apricot Trees: 3 Steps for Juicy Fruit

Apricot trees are a favorite among home growers for their sweet, juicy fruits. However, they require a bit more attention than other fruit trees to flourish.

These trees thrive in sunny locations and can be trained against walls or grown as freestanding specimens. Spring is an opportune time to get your apricot tree ready for the growing season.

If you're curious about what your apricot tree requires this April, we consulted an expert grower to share essential care tips that will lead to a rewarding harvest.

April Essentials for Apricot Trees: 3 Key Care Areas

In April, the weather can still feel winter-like in some areas or be on the verge of summer. Thus, apricot tree care can differ based on your location.

Marta Lynch, a knowledgeable farm manager, notes that apricot trees are particularly sensitive in early spring, making April a critical time for protective measures and preparation.

Before diving into specific tasks, she recommends starting with a thorough cleanup, which includes removing any leftover fruit and weeding around the tree's base.

1. Shield Trees from Frost

Apricot trees are generally hardy within US hardiness zones 5 to 8 and need warmth, sunlight, and frost protection. As they bloom early, they are especially vulnerable to late frosts. Keep an eye on local forecasts and be ready to protect blossoms since this can significantly influence fruit yield.

To safeguard your apricot tree from late frosts, cover it with horticultural fleece or frost cloth. Just be careful not to damage the delicate blossoms while doing so.

Once the threat of frost passes, remove protective coverings to allow light and pollinators to reach your tree. In colder regions, consider planting apricot trees in containers to bring indoors during chilly months for extra safety.

Applying a thick layer of organic mulch around the base can also help insulate roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.

Using garden compost or purchasing organic mulch like cedar mulch from Lowe's can be effective. Just remember to keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

2. Watch for Pests and Diseases

April is also when you need to start keeping an eye on your apricot trees for pests and diseases.

Marta suggests that light cultivation under the tree can help control overwintering pests, while regular monitoring is crucial. Oriental fruit moths can pose a threat to apricot trees.

Using pheromone traps is an effective way to keep tabs on insect activity and time your interventions properly. Many gardeners also use holistic sprays like compost tea to promote plant health.

Oriental fruit moths (Grapholita molesta), which usually target peaches and nectarines, can also infest apricot, apple, plum, and cherry trees. The larvae can damage new growth and fruit, leading to a poor harvest.

To effectively capture and monitor these pests, consider Vivagrow pheromone traps from Amazon.

If you make your own compost, consider brewing compost tea as a natural way to encourage robust growth. Once brewed and diluted, it can be applied as a soil drench or foliar feed using a Chapin pump sprayer from Amazon.

3. Water Trees Properly

April temperatures can often hit between 60 and 70°F, and with insufficient rainfall, conditions may become dry. Marta emphasizes the importance of consistent watering, especially for young or recently planted trees that are still establishing their root systems.

Newly planted apricot trees may need watering every few days, especially during dry spells. Once established, mature trees might only need watering during fruit formation or extended dry periods. Trees trained against walls will require more frequent irrigation.

Ensuring proper watering techniques is crucial for healthy plants, especially in light of climate change. Slow and deep watering sends moisture deeper into the soil, encouraging healthier roots and reducing evaporation.

Watering deeply can be done by hand or via an irrigation system. For busy gardeners, drip irrigation and soaker hoses, like this MIXC drip irrigation kit from Amazon, are perfect for deep and gradual watering.

This method also helps keep foliage dry, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

In addition to frost protection, pest monitoring, and irrigation, regular pruning is vital for apricot tree health. Without proper pruning, trees may still produce fruit, but yields might be limited and they could become more prone to health issues.

Timing is crucial for pruning apricot trees. Like other stone fruits, established apricots should be pruned during spring or summer while actively growing to minimize risks of diseases.