Help with new Blenheim Apricot Tree - Ask Extension
I just purchased this Blenheim Apricot tree from Cornell Farms Nursery at the end of January 2024. I had it planted within a week & the landscaper...
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Help with new Blenheim Apricot Tree #874818
Asked June 26, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
I just purchased this Blenheim Apricot tree from Cornell Farms Nursery at the end of January 2024. I had it planted within a week & the landscaper dug the hole and put in the fertilizer that Cornell said to put in hole. (something start?) I wasn't expecting fruit this year, however, last weekend when I was looking at my apple and cherry trees, I took a closer look at the apricot since it looked like it had a dying limb. (see pic 3). That's when I saw sap on the tree (pic 4, pic 1...l. and then pic 2 where the branches join) Cornell told me to check with you to find out what to do.
I LOVE my garden and it is so sad that this tree is weeping sap! Please help!
Thank you!
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for sharing the photos.
Prunus (like apricots) tend to produce lots of gumming sap from injuries. It looks like something has affected this branch, and it is dying back. I can't tell from these photos, but you may lose that entire branch. How will that affect the tree's shape? Do you have other branches that can help fill in?
Apricots can struggle in our area. They are prone to some diseases and also have issues with the cold snaps we get in the spring. This past January, our area experienced an extended cold snap with ice. Many trees and shrubs were stressed by those conditions. You may be seeing some evidence of damage from that freeze event.
The best thing to do is give it good TLC by making sure it is watered this summer.
Feel free to send additional photos if you'd like.
Prunus (like apricots) tend to produce lots of gumming sap from injuries. It looks like something has affected this branch, and it is dying back. I can't tell from these photos, but you may lose that entire branch. How will that affect the tree's shape? Do you have other branches that can help fill in?
Apricots can struggle in our area. They are prone to some diseases and also have issues with the cold snaps we get in the spring. This past January, our area experienced an extended cold snap with ice. Many trees and shrubs were stressed by those conditions. You may be seeing some evidence of damage from that freeze event.
The best thing to do is give it good TLC by making sure it is watered this summer.
Feel free to send additional photos if you'd like.
Hi Brooke,
Also, what should I do about the other branches with sap? should I put anything on them?
Thank you!
Karyn
Hi Brooke,Thank you so much for your response. I'm sad, but will definitely give it some TLC.I guess my questions are the ones you brought up. How will that affect the trees shape and what do I do with other branches to fill in? What did you mean by that?I'll try to send in some more pics for you to look at.Thank you so much for your help!Karyn
Hi Brooke,
Thank you so much for your response. I'm sad, but will definitely give it some TLC.
I guess my questions are the ones you brought up. How will that affect the trees shape and what do I do with other branches to fill in? What did you mean by that?
I'll try to send in some more pics for you to look at.
Thank you so much for your help!
Karyn
I'm sorry; I misunderstood the extent of the issue! I thought it was only one branch that was dying back and was showing the gumming. But it sounds like you're seeing this on most of the branches?
If one branch was dying, you could prune it out. Then, the others can be pruned over time to rebalance the tree and fill the gap. But it sounds like there is a bigger issue happening.
There is nothing to apply to the areas with the gumming. Just give it TLC with adequate watering this summer to see if it can overcome this.
If one branch was dying, you could prune it out. Then, the others can be pruned over time to rebalance the tree and fill the gap. But it sounds like there is a bigger issue happening.
There is nothing to apply to the areas with the gumming. Just give it TLC with adequate watering this summer to see if it can overcome this.
Hi Brooke,
Thanks for your response! One branch is dying and I pruned it back today. Other areas have sap oozing. I gave it water and a good loving talk I hope she lives. Please let me know if you can think of anything else. Fertilizer?
Thanks,
Karyn
The tree won't need fertilizer at this time as the new growth is slowing down. Definitely get it well watered as we move into this heat wave! Stay cool!
Thank you so much Brooke! I'll give it a good drink each morning!
You're awesome! Have a great 4th!
Karyn
