Tree pooped from fruit production

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Question: I have an apricot tree that has been showing stress. This year, we got a huge amount of fruit, way above anything in previous years. Some of the branches looked as if they were dying, but the fruit remained on them. Some of this fruit ripened and some did not. After removing all of the apricots, the barren branches are now growing small green shoots and leaves. It appears as though they are coming back.

We did not change the watering regimen, and during the bloom period, everything appeared normal, except for the large amount of fruit. My wife thinks it is because of all the fruit the tree produced. I am clueless.

A fruit tree will sometimes throw all of its energy into making fruit at the expense of making new shoots and leaves. Once the fruit has been produced, then it throws its energy into shoot production, usually until the middle of the summer, and then growth ceases and the tree begins to get ready for winter. So, your wife may be right.

Bob Morris is an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.