Have you decided where you’d like branches..? Unless you’ve got deer problems, I’d want them lower than five and a half feet.

One of the biggest mistakes when planting a new tree, especially two or three years old, is to ‘leave it’ as is… Usually, the roots have a difficult time supporting the upper growth (as they’ve been severed or pot-bound) and it’s best to remove as much (upper growth) as you don’t need.

In CA you’ve likely got substantial leaves by now… which removing could sap the tree some. But if you’d like a well formed tree, I’d recommend lopping off anything above the height of your highest desired branch. That will force its energy into pushing limbs from the buds (or leaves) directly below the cut. I think the preferred structure for an apricot is open, like a peach.

If so, I’d get on it fast… though it’s snowing here in Oregon right now! ...whoops " title="Embarassed" />