Apricot tree from seed.

[Tatigardens]

Hello. 2 years ago I germinated an apricot seed and this is where we are at. I dont know whether or not I should cut off or maybe just cut back the large branch on the left.

 

[Chuck]

That branch will always be a weak spot of the tree. I would cut it off but leave about an 8 inch stub. Let this stub produce little stems and leaves and in 3 or 4 years remove the stub totally. This will make a much stronger trunk than just cutting the stub off completely now. The tree will probably grow to 20-25 tall if it is a standard apricot and probably about 15 feet tall if a dwarf. Trees grow from the top up and any low sprouting branches will be problematic later on. Leaving stubs on a tree trunk is a method called Trashy Tree and most often the limbs are stubbed up to a height of about 4 feet.

 

[Tatigardens]

That branch will always be a weak spot of the tree. I would cut it off but leave about an 8 inch stub. Let this stub produce little stems and leaves and in 3 or 4 years remove the stub totally. This will make a much stronger trunk than just cutting the stub off completely now. The tree will probably grow to 20-25 tall if it is a standard apricot and probably about 15 feet tall if a dwarf. Trees grow from the top up and any low sprouting branches will be problematic later on. Leaving stubs on a tree trunk is a method called Trashy Tree and most often the limbs are stubbed up to a height of about 4 feet.

Thank you for the reply! Should I also not let any potential new limbs grow beneath those original 3 at the top of the original trunk?

 

[Chuck]

Thank you for the reply! Should I also not let any potential new limbs grow beneath those original 3 at the top of the original trunk?

That is correct