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Summer Pruning Tips for Cherry & Apricot Trees

Summer Pruning Tips for Cherry & Apricot Trees

Pruning trees is like a healthier version of giving them a haircut. In addition to enhancing their appearance,…

May 08,2021

Pruning trees is like a healthier version of giving them a haircut. In addition to enhancing their appearance, a proper pruning helps remove and prevent disease. But before you haphazardly cut branches, be sure to read up on proper pruning etiquette. For the most part, tree pruning is best done during the dormant seasons. However, there are some exceptions. Cherry and apricot trees, for example, can be pruned during the summer. Sesmas Tree Service has plenty of experience in this field and we are happy to share our knowledge as well as our services with our community. Here are some summer pruning tips for cherry and apricot trees. If you have any questions, then give us a call for a consultation or hire an arborist.

Summer Pruning Tips for Cherry & Apricot Trees

Choose Four Permanent Scaffold Branches

Apricots and cherries preferred to be pruned in mid to late summer. They also like to be trained into a modified central leader system. Between June and July is a great time to get started on training your tree. Start by selecting your four permanent scaffold branches.

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The first branch should be about 18 to 24 inches from the ground. Choose branches that come off the trunk at a 45 to 60 degree angle. Branches coming off an angle less than 45 degrees are often weak. Each of the four scaffolding branches should be on a different quadrant on the tree. Ideally, the branches should not be on top of each other and should have eight to ten inches between them vertically. You do not have to find all the scaffolding branches in the same season.

If you find a well-spaced branch that is less than 45 degrees, then try using a spreader. Place the spreader between the branch and the trunk to stretch the branch out to between 45 and 60 degrees. Label your scaffolding branches.

Prune Back the Non-Scaffolding Branches

Now, get started on pruning back the non-scaffolding branches to about 6 inches or to the first set of leaves. The short remainders of the branches will be removed later, but for now they help shade the trunk and prevent sunscald. Next, prune any competing leader shoots. Pick the strongest upright shoot to be the central leader and cut off any of the rest. The central leader should be pruned about 20 inches from the top most scaffolding branch. This will stimulate growth for more scaffolding branches. You ideally want five to seven total scaffolding branches before scaling back the central leader to the top most scaffolding branch.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

Hire An ISA-Certified Arborist

Your cherry and apricot trees are wonderful ornaments for your yard. They provide shade, aesthetics, and delicious fruit! If you are hesitant or worried about ruining your tree, then consider hiring an ISA-certified arborist. Our arborists at Sesmas Tree Service have years of experience pruning all sorts of fruit trees. We can have someone out to your property to get the job done right the first time around. Call Sesmas Tree Service to consult with a friendly representative today.

 

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