If you like to take care of your garden or orchard, discover that the apricot is dry It is always a cause for displeasure, because what we want is for the tree to be strong and healthy and to delight us with its delicious fruits.
The good news is that you shouldn't give up on it at the first opportunity. Let's see what might be happening to your fruit tree and what remedies you can apply to prevent it from suffering further damage.
Why is my apricot dry? Factors that affect its health
What may be happening to your tree is the following:
Drought
It occurs when there is a prolonged lack of water, especially if it occurs during periods of intense heat.
What you will notice is that the leaves are wilted and falling off. The branches are also dry and the fruits are small and deformed.
This happens because the lack of water prevents the tree from absorbing nutrients and performing photosynthesis, so is gradually weakeningIn the most severe cases, prolonged exposure to drought can cause death.
Excessive watering
If lack of water is bad, then too much watering is too. Because Water accumulated in the roots prevents them from breathing, which ends up killing them.
As a result, what we can observe is that the leaves turn yellow and then fall off. In addition, it is common to notice a rotten smell at the base of the trunk.
Extreme temperatures
These directly damage the tree tissues, affecting the ability of the plant to perform its vital functions. In these cases, prolonged exposure to very high temperatures is just as bad as late frosts.
When the apricot is dry due to the effect of temperatures we can see that its leaves are burned, the flowers and fruits fall, more dry branches appear and cracks can be seen in the bark.
Wind
A strong and constant wind can not only damage the branches or cause the fruits to fall to the ground prematurely. If combined with a lack of adequate irrigation, It increases the dehydration of the tree.
An apricot that has begun to dry out has a harder time absorbing nutrients, and wounds may appear on its skin, which encourages the attack of pathogens and the action of pests.
Unsuitable soil
If the soil in which the apricot is planted is too compact, has poor drainage, is poor in nutrients or has an unsuitable pH for this tree, we will notice it.
In a situation of this type we appreciate:
- Slow tree growth.
- Yellowish or chlorotic (pale green) leaves.
- Fruits that remain small and are of low quality.
Plagues and diseases
This tree can be affected by insects such as the bud weevil and Red spider, which weaken it and make it look dry.
In addition, there are diseases such as moniliosis, sharka virus or neck galls that make it difficult for the tree to perform its natural functions.
Aging
Sometimes a tree has all the care it needs and still looks dry. This is due to the natural aging process. As the tree ages, it decreases the vitality of the tree This one looks older and drier, and is beginning to bear less fruit.
How to fix it if the apricot tree is dry?
The care that must be applied depends on the origin of this phenomenon:
Irrigation problems
You have to make sure that the tree receives enough water, especially during the warmer periods of the year.
In addition, you have to choose a soil with good drainage capacity and always avoid puddles. Frequently, the drip irrigation It is the best solution to ensure a constant supply of water to the roots.
If the problem is caused by overwatering, it is a good idea to leave the tree without watering for a while and, if the situation is very extreme, consider transplanting it.
Problems with extreme temperatures and wind
In this case it is advisable to apply a mulching layer at the base of the tree during the winter to protect the roots from frost.
To prevent excess heat from burning or drying out the tree, it is a good idea to find a location for it where it can receive some sunlight. shade during the central hours of the day in summer.
If wind is the problem, consider finding a more sheltered location for the tree.
Problems with the ground
In this case you can amend the substrate adding organic matter or compost to improve both its structure and fertility.
Also, if it is very compact, add some perlite or sand and you will achieve better aeration and drainage capacity.
Problems with pests or diseases
If the apricot is dry due to the effect of some fungus or the presence of insects, you must first check the leaves, branches and trunk carefully to identify which pathogen or insect is the one who is acting.
then you can make a sanitary pruning removing the most damaged parts and, finally, applying a treatment with a specific fungicide or insecticide.
Problems due to aging
Maybe your tree is already old. If so, make a pdrastic ode or rejuvenation pruning to stimulate the growth of new branches.
This pruning can be done during the winter or early spring, before the tree starts to sprout. If you are in an area where frost is common, wait until the risk of frost has passed before tackling this task.
To get good results you have to remove main branches, leaving only the youngest and most vigorous. In this way, you stimulate the appearance of new shoots from the base of the tree and prolong its useful life.
As you can see, when the apricot tree is dry, there is always room for action to make your tree beautiful and healthy again.