Apricot trees require careful management to ensure a healthy structure and generous fruit set. Proper fertilization involves both timing and nutrient composition to maximize the tree’s potential. The goal is to support vigorous growth without encouraging excessive, weak foliage susceptible to damage.
Annual Timing for Established Trees
The most effective time to fertilize an established apricot tree (three years or older) is in the late winter or very early spring. This application should coincide with the beginning of the active growth cycle, just before or as the buds begin to swell and break dormancy. Delivering nutrients at this stage supports the initial flush of new leaves and flower development.
A single annual application in the spring is often sufficient for mature, healthy trees. This early timing powers the tree through its most demanding period of growth and fruit production. Spread the fertilizer evenly on the soil surface around the tree’s drip line, where the feeder roots are most active.
Avoid fertilizing apricot trees later in the growing season, particularly after mid-summer. Applying nitrogen late encourages a flush of tender, new growth that lacks time to harden off before cold weather. This soft tissue is vulnerable to winter injury and subsequent disease issues.
For most regions, the safe cutoff date for fertilization is around July 1st. Stopping fertilization in mid-summer allows the tree to slow its vegetative growth and prepare for dormancy, promoting strong, resilient wood and protecting the tree from environmental stress.
Determining Fertilizer Type and Quantity
Nitrogen (N) is the nutrient most frequently required by apricot trees and is considered the limiting factor in many soil types. It directly fuels the vegetative growth of leaves and branches, which is necessary for photosynthesis and overall tree health. A common approach is to use a complete fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
The specific quantity of fertilizer should be calculated based on the tree’s size, not a fixed amount. A general guideline is to apply about 0.1 pound of actual nitrogen per inch of the trunk’s diameter, measured at a height of about four feet above the soil line. This calculation ensures that a larger, more established tree receives the necessary amount of nitrogen to support its size.
To determine the amount of product needed, divide the required weight of actual nitrogen by the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer’s guaranteed analysis. For example, a tree needing 0.5 pounds of nitrogen requires 5 pounds of a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, as it promotes excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production and increases disease susceptibility.
Perform a soil test every few years to check for deficiencies in phosphorus and potassium. While nitrogen is often the focus, a soil test provides a precise analysis of what the root zone is lacking. This allows for targeted application, preventing the unnecessary addition of nutrients that can accumulate in the soil.
Fertilizing Newly Planted Apricot Trees
Newly planted apricot trees require a different, more cautious approach to fertilization compared to established trees. The primary focus for a first-year tree is root establishment, not rapid top growth. Applying a strong fertilizer immediately after planting can cause chemical burn and severely damage the new, delicate root system.
Withhold heavy fertilization for the first few months after planting. The tree needs time to settle into its new location and allow roots to explore the surrounding soil. If the soil was properly amended before planting, the tree should have sufficient nutrients for initial growth.
A very light application can be considered in mid-summer of the first year, or more safely, in the following spring. This initial feeding should be at a reduced rate, perhaps using a slow-release fertilizer or compost worked into the soil away from the trunk. The goal is to gently encourage growth once the tree has established itself.