That placement will not affect the ultimate growth of a tree. A minimum of six hours per day is preferred. To obtain appropriate shape and height, pruning during the first couple of years is important. The cooperative extension recommends avoiding fungus disease by pruning apricots late in the dormant season or preferably during the summer. Pruning is necessary to enhance fruit production, keep fruit reachable and the tree healthy.
Apricots bear on spurs, which can produce for multiple years.
Your tree may or may not bear in its third year. If you have a heavy crop, the fruit should be thinned to about one every 6 inches. This will produce bigger and better-tasting apricots and will help prevent branch breakage. It is also possible to prop up branches that look too weak to support themselves. Summer squash may be ready to harvest.