Knowing how to properly prune a peach tree is important for its growth. Pruning peach trees can help produce the biggest fruit and the best harvest. Luckily, learning peach tree pruning is easy, and you'll be on your way to getting the best peach harvest possible.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Pruning Basics
Step 1. Prune your peach tree to help it grow
Pruning may seem like the opposite of growing, but it is actually very beneficial in helping peach trees grow.
- Pruning the peach tree will result in new growth, which in turn will produce more fruit. Thus, pruning will produce more yields over time.
- Peach trees should be exposed to sunlight, as shadowy branches will not produce much fruit. Pruning will expose all branches to sunlight.
- Cutting the dead parts of the tree is important so that new branches can grow.
- If you plan to spray your tree with pesticides, pruning gives access to all parts of your tree for this spraying purpose.
Step 2. Know when to trim
The best pruning time is in early spring, after the last cold temperatures of winter. Avoid pruning in very cold weather, as this can reduce the tree's resistance to cold and the amount of fruit it produces.
- The best month for pruning is usually February, but adjust this time based on your local weather.
- Prune the older trees before the younger ones to allow time for new growth.
- Avoid pruning while the trees are blooming or soon after, as this can negatively affect new growth.
- Prune your peach trees in the growing season or next spring (if done in fall).
- Better to prune a little late in a year than early.
Step 3. Choose your trimming tools
There are different types available, with different uses. Pruning shears are used for smaller branches that are easier to cut, and, if needed, use a saw to trim larger branches.
- Various sizes of pruning shears are available and are safer to use than saws. If possible, use scissors for pruning purposes.
- Be careful when pruning with the saw so you don't hit other branches, as this will expose them to bacteria and fungus.
- Wound ointment can be used after pruning, but actually has little effect in preventing fungal growth.
Step 4. Know how much to trim
When you cut back branches, follow the “cat tossing” rule. All the branches on your peach tree should be trimmed to a sufficient width so that a cat can be tossed between them without hitting a single branch.
- The recommended total height is 2.4 - 2.7 m when the tree reaches maturity.
- Prune the tree slightly when starting, to stimulate growth outwards instead of upwards.
- For large trees full of fruit, prune up to 90% of all developing fruit. A healthy tree will produce far more than its actual capacity, so most should be pruned to get the maximum amount of harvest.
Method 2 of 3: Pruning Young Peach Trees
Step 1. Prune when planting
As previously mentioned, it is very important to start your peach tree growth in the right direction by pruning at the time of planting. If you're planting in the fall, wait a few months until spring for pruning.
Step 2. Prune so that the lowest branch is only 42.5 cm high
Do not let the remaining branches get higher on the trunk, because when the tree reaches maturity, the tree will become too tall.
- The tallest tree should reach about 85 cm from the ground. Prune branches that are too long until you reach this height.
- All branches should grow at an ideal 45 degree angle. If nothing comes close to this measurement on your tree, prune all branches until they are bare and wait for further growth.
Step 3. Select scaffolding branches in summer
Scaffolding branches are the largest branches on a tree, starting from the trunk. To start, choose 2-3 scaffold branches, but over time this number will grow by 4-6 times.
- The branches of the scaffold should form a radial pattern from the trunk, with each pattern facing a different direction.
- The branches of the scaffold will become a place to grow lateral branches (which are smaller and grow on the outside) when the tree reaches maturity.
Step 4. Prune branches close to the trunk
Make sure you prune branches near the trunk, leaving only a small collar for growth to prevent branch rot.
- Make thinning slices, or slices starting at the beginning of the branch, on trees younger than one year.
- Initial slices are used to remove parts of the branch, instead of the whole branch. However, avoid doing this on young trees, to prevent the growth of parasites and aquatic pests near the top of the tree.
Method 3 of 3: Pruning Mature Peach Trees
Step 1. Prune out any dead and unhealthy growth
Any branches that are dead or infected with fungi or other parasites should be removed.
- Get rid of all parasites and pests that grow near the tree roots.
- Remove all dry trees from the previous year's harvest.
- Remove all aquatic pests near the top of the tree. The appearance of this water pest is like a toilet vacuum that grows on the branches above the tree.
Step 2. Shape and care for your peach tree
This is the most important step in pruning, as it determines the tree's most important growth pattern and fruit production. Make sure you choose 4-6 main branches, and cut the other branches.
- All branches you cut should grow at a 45-degree angle. Any branches that grow vertically or horizontally should be removed, as they are likely to break when the tree begins to bear fruit.
- Prune your tree in a V pattern. All branches should look like a “V.”
- Cut all branches that cross each other. The crossed branches cast a shadow, which prevents a sufficient amount of sunlight from reaching the tree.
- Remove any branches that are growing at the top of the tree, which are taller than your head. These branches will be difficult to harvest the fruit.
Step 3. Prune your trees near the base of the branches
Make sure you cut the tree at the same growth angle, about inch from the side shoots.
- Do not cut branches at too steep an angle or too close to the base collar, as this can lead to infection.
- For branches that are more than 2.5 cm in diameter, use three wedges to help with pruning. Make the first incision at a point about half the length of the branch from the bottom fill. Then, make slices from top to bottom at a distance of 2.5 cm from the first slice. The weight of the branch will help the branch come off easily. Then, make cuts around the collar of the branch.
Step 4. The tree should have an open center, with branches surrounding it like a donut or ring when viewed from above
Tips
- Never prune peach trees excessively as this can lead to reduced fruit production and stunted tree growth.
- The peach tree produces most of its harvest on woody parts in the previous year, so do not prune these parts. In their resting season, these woods can be identified by their reddish tinge.
- Well-planted trees may require only a small amount of pruning by thinning and trimming to keep the tree from getting too tall and the leaves scattered. In addition, newly planted trees also require very little pruning.
