Life Span for an Apricot Tree

Apricot trees can live for decades. They are cultivated throughout the world's temperate regions and belong to the Rosaceae family. They produce a pitted fruit with a yellow or yellow-orange flesh. The edible fruit is used to make apricot brandy.

Expert Insight

The apricot tree has an average life span of 20 to 30 years, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. They flourish in well-drained, fertile soil and prefer full sun. Do not plant apricots in low-lying areas where water collects.

Considerations

To help ensure that an apricot tree lives out it full life span, control any weeds around the tree. Uncontrolled weeds attract rodents that can damage it. One of the best weed controls is mulch, but keep the mulch at least 1 foot away from the trunk.

Prevention/Solution

Good maintenance practices prevent problems and allow the tree to flourish. Cut back any dead or diseased branches. Remove any dried fruit from the tree and clear out leaves and debris from beneath the tree. Before pruning, disinfect tools with a 10 percent bleach solution.

Apricot Tree Care

The trees need full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is at least 4 feet deep. Apricot trees need a cold rain in late winter when the blossoms are ready to open, followed by dry spring weather. In spring and summer use sprinklers every two to three weeks or use drip irrigation daily in the absence of rain. Cut back on watering in the fall. Painting the trunk in the spring with a half-and-half mixture of white interior latex paint and water may help prevent borer infestation and sunburn. Thinning the fruit while it is small helps the tree conserve valuable resources and results in fewer but larger apricots at harvest time. Next, remove up to 20 percent of last year's growth.