Can heat cause my apricot tree to droop?

Yes, extreme heat can cause temporary wilting as the tree loses water faster than it can absorb it. It should recover once temperatures drop in the evening.

Should I fertilize a drooping tree?

No, avoid fertilizing a stressed tree. Wait until it has recovered and is actively growing again.

Why is my apricot tree drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture 3 inches below the surface.
Inspect the twigs for signs of fungal growth or lesions.
Check if the tree has been recently transplanted or stressed by heat.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry several inches down and the leaves look limp or shriveled.
What to do: Give the tree a deep soak so water reaches 12 to 18 inches deep. Apply 10 to 15 gallons of water slowly around the drip line once a week during dry spells.
Brown Rot
Possible
How to tell: Twigs wilt and droop suddenly, often accompanied by fuzzy gray or brown spores on fruit.
What to do: Prune out all infected twigs and branches at least 6 inches below the visible damage. Dispose of the clippings away from the tree and clean your shears with alcohol between cuts.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your apricot

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the tree stays wilted after a thorough watering, it may be suffering from a deeper root issue. Temporary drooping during the hottest part of a summer afternoon is often normal.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and apply a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Apricot: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your apricot and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can heat cause my apricot tree to droop?: Yes, extreme heat can cause temporary wilting as the tree loses water faster than it can absorb it. It should recover once temperatures drop in the evening.
Should I fertilize a drooping tree?: No, avoid fertilizing a stressed tree. Wait until it has recovered and is actively growing again.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my apricot tree drooping?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your apricot?