By thinning the crop, you simply should pick some of the fruit as it is producing, because otherwise, you can end up with more apricots than you know what to do with. You would think, because of how many apricots grow on one tree, you would never have a problem with no apricots on the tree. However, it can and does happen.
Reasons for Apricot Tree Not Fruiting
Since apricot trees are so easily grown and apricot fruits so easily harvested, if you have no apricots on the tree, it signals a problem. Pollination – First of all, if you have an apricot tree not producing any fruit, you should consider whether you have one tree or more. Although apricot trees are considered self-fruiting, sometimes it’s best to have more than one tree for pollination purposes. You can even have two different varieties of apricot trees, as having more than one can help if apricot fruiting does not occur. If you have an apricot tree not fruiting, it could very well be because of poor pollination. Be sure trees are placed in an area that is conducive to pollination. If you use pesticides, you may be inadvertently killing the beneficial bugs that pollinate apricot trees. Also, a very windy or rainy season can keep apricot pollinators from reaching the tree. Pests – Another issue with an apricot tree not producing fruit is that, if there are bugs or parasites on the tree, sometimes as fruiting starts, they will eat the small fruits, as well as knock them off the tree. Since the fruits weren’t allowed to mature, they remain small and unnoticeable. Check for bug larvae or signs of pests and parasites to make sure this is not the issue resulting in no apricots on the trees. Growing conditions – Poor environment can be another reason for an apricot tree not producing. If an apricot tree receives too little or too much water at bloom time or while the fruit is maturing, you may see no apricots on the tree. A lack of nutrients, like phosphorus, can also be the cause of an apricot tree not fruiting. Monitoring water and fertilizer can help to correct this. Just remember that an apricot tree not fruiting is a sign that something is wrong. Whether there is something wrong with the environment or something wrong with the care the tree’s receiving, you’ll need to determine the cause of the tree not producing. It may be wise to call on a certified arborist to help you fix the tree.
