No, it is not too late to prune an apricot tree but wait until the tree has dropped its leaves and is ready for winter pruning.

When to prune

In some parts of New Zealand, continued warm weather can delay leaf drop, so pruning may still be a little early if the tree is still holding foliage.

What to remove

• Apricots can grow strongly and become tall trees if left unchecked, so pruning should focus on keeping the tree at a practical height for harvesting, spraying and general maintenance.
• Remove dead, damaged, crossing or crowded branches to open up the tree and allow better light and airflow through the tree canopy.

Protect future fruiting wood

• Apricots fruit well on second-year wood, so avoid removing too much young growth. Aim to keep a good balance of strong branches that will carry future crops.
• After pruning, clear away fallen leaves and prunings from around the tree. In early spring, feed with Daltons Premium Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser or Daltons Goldcote Fruit and Citrus Tree Fertiliser, applying it out towards the drip line rather than hard up against the trunk.
• A layer of Daltons Premium Mulch & Feed can also help protect the root zone and support soil health as the tree comes back into growth.    

Read our guide below for information on growing and caring for fruit trees.  
How to Grow Fruit Tree