Menu

Call This Saturday to Get $25 OFF

banner

Summer Pruning Tips for Cherry & Apricot Trees

Pruning trees is like a healthier version of giving them a haircut. In addition to enhancing their appearance,…

May 08,2021

Summer Pruning Tips for Cherry & Apricot Trees

Pruning trees is like a healthier version of giving them a haircut. In addition to enhancing their appearance, a proper pruning helps remove and prevent disease. But before you haphazardly cut branches, be sure to read up on proper pruning etiquette. For the most part, tree pruning is best done during the dormant seasons. However, there are some exceptions. Cherry and apricot trees, for example, can be pruned during the summer. Sesmas Tree Service has plenty of experience in this field and we are happy to share our knowledge as well as our services with our community. Here are some summer pruning tips for cherry and apricot trees. If you have any questions, then give us a call for a consultation or hire an arborist.

image

Choose Four Permanent Scaffold Branches

Our Services

image Your Trusted Local Arborists

Land Clearing Services

Not every tree removal business can handle large-scale site clearing and site preparation projects like Sesmas Tree Service can. We…

Learn More
image Your Trusted Local Arborists

Retention Pond & Stormwater Maintenance

Property management companies and HOA’s in Georgia are required to maintain their retention ponds to make sure their stormwaters on their properties…

Learn More
image Your Trusted Local Arborists
image Your Trusted Local Arborists

Commercial Office/Industrial

At Sesmas Tree Service, we understand that the main priorities at your commercial office and industrial sites are to keep…

Learn More

Apricots and cherries preferred to be pruned in mid to late summer. They also like to be trained into a modified central leader system. Between June and July is a great time to get started on training your tree. Start by selecting your four permanent scaffold branches.

The first branch should be about 18 to 24 inches from the ground. Choose branches that come off the trunk at a 45 to 60 degree angle. Branches coming off an angle less than 45 degrees are often weak. Each of the four scaffolding branches should be on a different quadrant on the tree. Ideally, the branches should not be on top of each other and should have eight to ten inches between them vertically. You do not have to find all the scaffolding branches in the same season.

If you find a well-spaced branch that is less than 45 degrees, then try using a spreader. Place the spreader between the branch and the trunk to stretch the branch out to between 45 and 60 degrees. Label your scaffolding branches.

Prune Back the Non-Scaffolding Branches

Customer Reviews

Noel and his team at Sesmas Tree Service are extremely professional, do quality work, and are available when you need them. I have been using them for the past year and have never been disappointed with any service they have provided. Noel is the first person I call when I need any tree work done!

Matthew Keheley

I absolutely love the work ethic displayed by Sesmas employees. They work hard and fast! My property looks amazing! This is the second time in 5 years that I have used their services and customer satisfaction is still at the top of their list.

Evita Fikes

Sesmas did a terrific job for us on a project completed today involving the removal of 18 problem trees. Project was completed exactly as promised, skillfully and for a reasonable price. Mike Fowler was excellent in overseeing the work and his crew was outstanding. Highly recommend!

Kathryn Arvidson

These guys were on point. Verified the request before beginning (always good, because the trees aren't coming back!). Then made sure the trimming was done to exactly where I wanted it. On time, fast, and completely cleaned up after - was a great experience. Highly recommend!

Josh Pitchford

Now, get started on pruning back the non-scaffolding branches to about 6 inches or to the first set of leaves. The short remainders of the branches will be removed later, but for now they help shade the trunk and prevent sunscald. Next, prune any competing leader shoots. Pick the strongest upright shoot to be the central leader and cut off any of the rest. The central leader should be pruned about 20 inches from the top most scaffolding branch. This will stimulate growth for more scaffolding branches. You ideally want five to seven total scaffolding branches before scaling back the central leader to the top most scaffolding branch.

Hire An ISA-Certified Arborist

Your cherry and apricot trees are wonderful ornaments for your yard. They provide shade, aesthetics, and delicious fruit! If you are hesitant or worried about ruining your tree, then consider hiring an ISA-certified arborist. Our arborists at Sesmas Tree Service have years of experience pruning all sorts of fruit trees. We can have someone out to your property to get the job done right the first time around. Call Sesmas Tree Service to consult with a friendly representative today.

 

Blogs & Latest News

Stay updated with the latest tips, trends, and insights from Sesmas. Explore expert advice on tree care, safety, and maintenance to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful year-round.

View All
Dec 23,2025

When a Tree Stops Being an Asset and Becomes a Risk

Trees are magnificent entities that add beauty and functionality to your home. However, they can pose serious risks if left unattended.…

Read More
Dec 17,2025

Why Trees Are the Unsung Heroes of Your Neighborhood

Trees are magnificent entities that improve our landscapes and the environment. Whether it’s their profound beauty during spring or the shield…

Read More
Dec 09,2025

Why Tree Care Is Essential for Home Value and Curb Appeal

Taking care of trees on your property regularly is one of the smartest investments you can make to protect long-term value…

Read More
Dec 04,2025

The Step-by-Step Process of Professional Stump Grinding

After cutting down a potentially hazardous tree on your property, the job is not complete until you get rid of the…

Read More