In this video, Tricia shares her tips on pruning cherry and apricot trees.
How to Prune Apricots, Cherries, and Pluots with the Modified Central Leader System
Apricots, pluots, cherries, apples, and pears thrive when pruned using the modified central leader system, a technique ideal for compact spaces while maintaining tree health and productivity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning these trees, ensuring optimal growth and fruit production.
Understanding the Modified Central Leader System
The modified central leader system strikes a balance between space efficiency and tree structure. It requires less space than the open vase system but slightly more than the central leader system. This method works best for apples, pears, cherries, and apricots, especially in the Southwest.
Timing Your Pruning
Mid-June to mid-July is the perfect window for summer pruning. This is when you’ll train your tree into a modified central leader structure by selecting and shaping permanent scaffolding branches.
Selecting Scaffolding Branches
- Start Low: Choose the first scaffolding branch 18–24 inches above the ground.
- Optimal Angles: Look for branches growing at a 45–60° angle from the trunk. Steeper angles are weaker and prone to breakage.
- Even Spacing: Select branches on different quadrants of the tree, spaced 8–10 inches apart vertically.
- Training with Spreaders: Use spreaders or clothespins to adjust branch angles to the desired position.
Pruning Process
- Label Scaffolding Branches: Use ribbons to mark permanent branches to avoid accidental cuts.
- Trim Non-Scaffolding Branches: Cut these back to six inches or the first set of leaves, following the trashy trunk system.
- Central Leader Management: Retain the strongest leader shoot and prune it 20 inches above the highest scaffolding branch.
- Shape Scaffolding Branches: Head back each scaffolding branch to an outward-facing bud.
Final Tips
Leave small lateral shoots intact, as they may bear fruit in the future. Once you’ve established all scaffolding branches, cut the central leader back to the highest branch to complete the structure.
✂️ Resource Area: Cherry & Apricot Tree Pruning and Growing Essentials
Whether you’re shaping a young cherry tree or managing a mature apricot tree, proper pruning and care are essential for a productive orchard. Use the resources below to deepen your understanding and improve your results.
- 🌸 A Gardener’s Guide to Cherry Season: From Bloom to Harvest
A seasonal overview for cherry growers that outlines everything from blossoming and pollination to fruiting and harvest, giving context to why and when pruning matters most. - 🌳 Can I Prune My Flowering Cherry Tree? Essential Tips for Gardeners
Learn the best practices for pruning ornamental cherry trees while preserving their beauty and structure. - 🌱 Growing Cherries from Seed: Tips for Success
Interested in starting cherry trees from seed? This guide walks you through germination and early growth—perfect for patient gardeners looking to grow from scratch.
- 🌳 Pruning and Training Apricot Trees with the Modified Central Leader System
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to shaping apricot trees using the modified central leader technique. Learn when and how to select scaffolding branches, manage central leaders, and train your tree for strong structure and productivity. - 🌱 Planting and Propagation of Apricot Trees
Start your orchard right with proven techniques for planting apricot trees, whether from bare root or graft. This guide covers site selection, spacing, and propagation tips. - 🌞 Optimal Growing Conditions for Apricots
Unlock your trees’ full potential by understanding what apricots need to thrive—sunlight, soil type, chill hours, and more. A must-read for Southwest gardeners. - 🦟 Pest and Disease Management for Apricot Trees
Protect your apricots from common threats with organic solutions. Learn how to identify and manage pests and diseases using eco-friendly strategies. - 💧 Watering and Fertilization for Apricot Trees
Keep your trees nourished and productive with the right irrigation and feeding schedule. This guide outlines what to do in each season for optimal growth and fruiting. - 🌱 Bare-Root Cherry Trees for Sale
Browse a wide variety of bare-root cherry trees, ideal for establishing new trees trained with the modified central leader system. - 🌳 Lapins Cherry Trees for Sale
Explore one of the best self-fertile sweet cherry varieties. Lapins Cherry Trees are perfect for home orchards and great candidates for the modified central leader pruning method. - 🌳 Shop Apricot Trees
Browse our collection of premium apricot trees—perfect for backyard orchards, all compatible with the modified central leader system. Choose from varieties selected for flavor, adaptability, and productivity.
These resources support gardeners at all stages—whether you're planting your first cherry tree or apricot tree, pruning with precision, or harvesting sweet summer fruit. Let your orchard thrive with the right tools and techniques.
