How Tall Do Apricot Trees Grow

If you’re planning to add an apricot tree to your garden, one of your first questions is likely, ‘how tall do apricot trees grow?’ Understanding the potential height and spread of your tree is crucial for planning your orchard layout, ensuring proper sunlight, and managing future care. The answer isn’t simple, as it depends on several key factors we’ll cover here.

On average, a standard apricot tree grown on its own roots or a standard rootstock will reach between 15 and 25 feet tall, with a similar spread. However, this is just a general range. Many modern home orchards use dwarfing rootstocks to keep trees much smaller, often between 8 to 12 feet tall, which makes pruning, harvesting, and pest management far easier.

Key Factors That Determine Apricot Tree Size

Several elements work together to decide how big your tree will get. You can influence some of these, but others are set from the start.

Rootstock: This is the most important factor. The rootstock is the root system onto which the fruiting variety is grafted. Dwarf rootstocks like ‘St. Julian A’ or ‘Pixy’ will produce a tree half the size of a standard one.
Tree Type (Standard vs. Dwarf): A standard tree is grown on its own roots or a vigorous rootstock. A dwarf tree is created by grafting onto a dwarfing rootstock, which limits its ultimate size.
Apricot Variety: Some cultivars are naturally more vigorous and larger than others. Your local nursery can advise on the growth habits of specific varieties suited to your area.
Pruning and Training: How you prune your tree has a massive impact. Regular, careful pruning controls height and shapes the canopy. Without pruning, a tree can become leggy and overly tall.
Growing Conditions: Soil quality, water, sunlight, and climate all play a role. A tree in rich, well-drained soil with full sun and adequate water will grow more vigorously than one in poor, dry conditions.

Standard vs. Dwarf Apricot Trees: A Size Comparison

Choosing between a standard and dwarf tree is a major decision for your garden space.

Standard Apricot Trees

Height/Spread: 15-25 ft tall and wide.
Best For: Large properties, traditional orchards, or where a shade tree is also desired.
Considerations: Require more space, a ladder for harvest and pruning, and can produce more fruit than a small household needs.

Dwarf Apricot Trees

Height/Spread: 8-12 ft tall and wide.
Best For: Small gardens, patios, container growing (with large pots), and easier maintenance.
Considerations: Often need staking for support, may have a shorter lifespan, and produce less fruit (though still plenty for a family).

How to Control and Manage Your Tree’s Height

You are not at the mercy of your tree’s genetics. With smart practices, you can manage its size effectively.

Start with the Right Rootstock: When buying a tree, always ask about the rootstock. For most home gardens, a dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock is the smartest choice.
Prune for Shape and Size: Annual pruning is essential. The goal is to create an open center or vase shape, which allows light and air into the canopy.
Summer Pruning: While major pruning is done in late winter, light summer pruning can help control vigorous growth and direct the tree’s energy into fruit production instead of height.
Plant in the Right Spot: Ensure your tree gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun. More sun means better fruit, but it also means you might need to prune more to manage vigorous growth.

Pruning Guide for Height Control

Pruning can seem intimidating, but it’s straightforward once you know the basics. Here’s a simple annual plan.

Late Winter Pruning (When the Tree is Dormant)

Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood first.
Cut back overly long, leggy branches to an outward-facing bud to encourage branching lower down.
Thin out crowded areas in the center to maintain an open structure.
Avoid removing more than 25% of the tree’s canopy in one year.

Summer Pruning (Light Touch-ups)

Pinch back the tips of new, soft growth if it’s getting too tall.
Remove any water sprouts (fast-growing vertical shoots) that appear in the center of the tree.
This helps slow down vertical growth and encourages the tree to put energy into fruiting spurs.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Overly Tall Trees

Sometimes, trees get out of hand due to simple oversights. Avoid these common errors.

Neglecting Annual Pruning: Skipping just one or two years can result in a tall, tangled tree that’s hard to correct.
Planting in Too Much Shade: A tree reaching for sunlight will grow tall and spindly with few flowers or fruit.
Over-fertilizing: Especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promotes excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit and can make the tree grow too fast.
Not Researching the Rootstock: Buying a tree without knowing its rootstock can lead to a giant surprise in your small backyard.

FAQs About Apricot Tree Height and Care

How fast do apricot trees grow?

Apricot trees are moderately fast growers. Under good conditions, they can grow 1 to 2 feet per year when they are young. Growth slows as they reach maturity.

Can I keep an apricot tree small?

Yes, absolutely. Choosing a dwarf rootstock and committing to regular pruning are the two most effective ways to keep your tree at a manageable size, even in a small garden.

How tall do dwarf apricot trees get?

Dwarf apricot trees typically stay between 8 and 12 feet tall, making them ideal for limited spaces. They often begin fruiting sooner than standard-sized trees to.

What is the best location to plant an apricot tree?

Choose a spot with full sun (6-8+ hours), excellent air circulation to prevent disease, and well-drained soil. Avoid low frost pockets, as apricot blossoms are vulnerable to late spring frosts.

Do I need two apricot trees to get fruit?

Most common apricot varieties are self-fruitful, meaning you only need one tree to produce fruit. However, planting a second, different variety nearby can sometimes improve pollination and increase your overall yield.

Understanding how tall your apricot tree will grow sets you up for success from day one. By selecting the right tree type for your space and implementing consistent care, especially pruning, you can enjoy a beautiful, productive tree that fits perfectly in your garden for years to come. Remember, a little planning and annual maintenance goes a long way in managing your tree’s height and health.