When and how much is the best way to prune a peach tree? And How much space does it need from other trees?

I just bought a house and we found we have a peach tree. When we moved in we found it had beared very small fruit (apricot size). I have been told I may need to prune it back and I have also been told to get space from the two Crepe Mertles (sp?) that flank it. I am a novice gardner and could use some advice. Also when I should prune, I understand is important as how much I prune from the tree.

When and how much is the best way to prune a peach tree? And How much space does it need from other trees?
Your peach tree will do best with a once a year pruning during the late winter when the tree is dormant. Note that the best fruit developes on 1 year old wood. When pruning first take a good walk around the tree and note the condition of the tree before making any cuts. I usually start pruning from the bottom of the tree and work my way up. Prune all suckers that are growing from the ground adjacent to the trunk (these are branches from the rootstock and are not necessary). Next choose 3-4 healthly main scaffolds that are coming from the trunk and prune out any others (dead, injured, diseased, crossing, etc.). Pick scaffolds that are evenly spaced from one another. Next begin cutting the secondary branches on these scaffolds. Again cut out dead, injured, diseased, etc. branches. Do the same for the other branches coming from the secondary branches and so forth. In the end the ideal shape of the tree will be somewhat like a cross between a martini glass and a goblet.

Your peach tree should have full sun and should not have any competition from other trees for sunlight, nutrients, water, etc.

In the spring after your tree fruits and sets it's crop, you should thin the fruit on the tree by removing fruit from the tree. A good rule of thumb is to leave 2-3 pieces on each 1 year old branch. Thinning will allow the remaining fruit to increase in size.

Hope this information helps!



Also, buy professional quality type equipment for your pruning, you will be much happier in the long run.
Reply:Peach trees are typically pruned into a bowl-like shape, where the branches go out and up, like the sides of a bowl. The branches growing straight up or toward the center are pruned out.

As to distance from other trees, the issue is shade from those other trees, not exactly distance. If the Crape Myrtles and others shade the tree all spring and summer, the peach will not flower and fruit well. Water and fertilize the tree as weather warms up for the best fruit. Remove all but one or two tiny peaches from each twig so that those you leave can grow nice and plump. No one gets good peaches without spraying, so check with a farm store or garden center about safe and effective fungicides and insecticides for fruit trees.

One warning: peach trees are alot of trouble and messy. The fallen fruits draw wasps and bees and woodland critters. Peach trees are also short lived. If I had to choose between a Crape Myrtle and a peach tree, I would always choose the Crape!
Reply:Pruning is an art, and you would do well to check out a book on it in the library. Basically what you do is first, look for all the "sucker limbs," which are little limbs growing at all angles from the main trunk and limbs. These will do nothing but multiply unmercilessly, steal growing energy from the tree and make the tree look unkempt. The reason you should prune them is because they will not produce fruit for you, or if they do, it is only a little bit. As you spot the sucker limbs, study the overall growth of the tree. The trunk is noticeable, but what about the carrier limbs? These are the main limbs which support the fruit bearing limbs. Now step back from the tree. Notice how much space is between it and the other trees. Once you start pruning, you have to step back often and look at the overall look of the tree, because you don't want to prune too much, which will stunt its growth and productivity. If it is incroaching into the myrtles, you may have to decide which to save and which to remove, that is if they are planted too close. You can't have them growing too close or they will fight for light, water resources, and other nutrients in the soil.

Like I said, go get a book, because there's just too much important information that you need to know how to do. I've given a few pointers, but there are many aspects to pruning especially fruit trees. But, if you simply want a peach tree and don't care about having fresh fruit, then leave it be. Some people like to see those blooms.

Just remember, that if any trees are growing crowded, then the incidence of disease and infestation rises accordingly. Good Luck!

shoe horns