Help with new Blenheim Apricot Tree

Question: I just purchased this Blenheim Apricot tree from Cornell Farms Nursery at the end of January 2024. I had it planted within a week & the landscaper dug the hole and put in the fertilizer that Cornell said to put in hole. (something start?) I wasn't expecting fruit this year, however, last weekend when I was looking at my apple and cherry trees, I took a closer look at the apricot since it looked like it had a dying limb. (see pic 3). That's when I saw sap on the tree (pic 4, pic 1...l. and then pic 2 where the branches join) Cornell told me to check with you to find out what to do.
I LOVE my garden and it is so sad that this tree is weeping sap!  Please help!
Thank you!

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 27, 2024, 7:44 PM EDT
response: Thanks for sharing the photos.   Prunus (like apricots) tend to produce lots of gumming sap from injuries. It looks like something has affected this branch, and it is dying back. I can't tell from these photos, but you may lose that entire branch. How will that affect the tree's shape? Do you have other branches that can help fill in?  Apricots can struggle in our area. They are prone to some diseases and also have issues with the cold snaps we get in the spring. This past January, our area experienced an extended cold snap with ice. Many trees and shrubs were stressed by those conditions. You may be seeing some evidence of damage from that freeze event.   The best thing to do is give it good TLC by making sure it is watered this summer.   Feel free to send additional photos if you'd like.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 8:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Brooke,  Also, what should I do about the other branches with sap? should I put anything on them?   Thank you! Karyn   On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 4:57 PM Moscoe (KT) <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Hi Brooke, Thank you so much for your response. I'm sad, but will definitely give it some TLC.  I guess my questions are the ones you brought up. How will that affect the trees shape and what do I do with other branches to fill in? What did  you mean by that? I'll try to send in some  more pics for you to look at.  Thank you so much for your help! Karyn   On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 4:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2024, 8:01 PM EDT
response: Hi Brooke,  Thank you so much for your response. I'm sad, but will definitely give it some TLC.  I guess my questions are the ones you brought up. How will that affect the trees shape and what do I do with other branches to fill in? What did  you mean by that? I'll try to send in some  more pics for you to look at.  Thank you so much for your help! Karyn   On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 4:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied June 28, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT
response: I'm sorry; I misunderstood the extent of the issue! I thought it was only one branch that was dying back and was showing the gumming. But it sounds like you're seeing this on most of the branches?  If one branch was dying, you could prune it out. Then, the others can be pruned over time to rebalance the tree and fill the gap. But it sounds like there is a bigger issue happening.   There is nothing to apply to the areas with the gumming. Just give it TLC with adequate watering this summer to see if it can overcome this.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 4:23 PM EDT
response: Hi Brooke,  Thanks for your response! One branch is dying and I pruned it back today. Other areas have sap oozing. I gave it water and a good loving talk  I hope she lives. Please let me know if you can think of anything else. Fertilizer?   Thanks, Karyn  On Fri, Jun 28, 2024 at 11:26 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Brooke Edmunds Oregon State University Extension Community Horticulturist  Replied July 03, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT
response: The tree won't need fertilizer at this time as the new growth is slowing down. Definitely get it well watered as we move into this heat wave! Stay cool!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 7:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much Brooke! I'll give it a good drink each morning!   You're awesome! Have a great 4th!  Karyn   On Wed, Jul 3, 2024 at 3:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: