I have an old apricot tree on a rental property, and since the tenants aren't taking care of it, the falling fruit is creating a big mess on the sidewalk. The neighbors are starting to complain. I'm looking for ways to either stop it from producing fruit or at least reduce the amount. Are there any specific pruning techniques I should consider? Also, it's quite tall, and I can't reach the top even with a ladder. I'm located in the Northeast US and I want to avoid cutting the tree down entirely. Any strategies to cut back on apricot production would be helpful!
3 Answers
Honestly, apricot trees can be pretty persistent. Instead of trying to stop it from producing altogether, harvesting the fruit when it's ripe and donating it to a local food pantry could be a solid solution. That way you manage the mess and help others at the same time!
If you want to cut back on production without removing the tree, consider contacting an arborist. They can spray it while it's in bloom to prevent fruiting. Just remember, you'll need to do it annually to maintain the effect!
Thanks! I'll research the spray. Is it safe for the environment?
Getting help from neighbors or local volunteers is a great option too. You could post about free fruit and have people pick it themselves. This way, you avoid the big task of dealing with all that fruit yourself! Don't forget to check with your landlord about getting someone to trim the tree if it's too much for you to handle.
Exactly! I plan to talk to the landlord soon about pruning options.
That's a great idea! When you harvest, make sure to stay on top of it to prevent any mess.