Question
I have an apricot tree that is several years old.  We pruned the much overgrown tree during the winter and this summer there are dozens of hardened sap nodules all over the tree and one branch has died.  The nodules harden and can only be removed with a hammer or chisel.  Do we have a pest or did we cause this because of the time of year we pruned the tree or is it just overflowing with sap?  By the way, after pruning, the tree produced very little fruit whereas last year it was covered.  Thanks.

Answer
Linda,

You possibly pruned just prior to the sap running and may have caused the symptoms you are describing.  I would take a sample to your local extension for further study.  It is hard to do this type of diagnosis over the net.

Good luck

Gary