However, the one maintenance task that shouldn’t be overlooked ispruning.
It’s better to prune a little too late than too early.
Plus, taking them out during the summer usually means less to remove the next spring.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Before this, pruning efforts should be limited to establishing the basic shape of the tree.
Peach trees produce fruit on one-year-old wood, so a mature tree can be pruned rather extensively.
In general, remove old gray shoots because these will not fruit.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
But leave the one-year-old shoots, which will be reddish in appearance.
Such branches should be removed whenever you see them.
Then, remove any competing large branches using a pruner or pruning saw.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Pay special attention to removing branches in the center of the tree and those growing downward or horizontal.
The goal is to create a tree that has a V- or vase-shaped profile with an open center.
Most growers recommend that the first of these scaffold branches be no closer than 18 inches from the ground.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Ideally, all scaffold branches should emerge from the trunk between 18 and 36 inches from the ground.
This creates a compact tree that will be easy to harvest without a tall ladder.
Crotches 45 degrees or wider will be less susceptible to splitting.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Remove Spindly Interior Branches
Prune any small, spindly branches growing from the main scaffold branches inward.
Make the cuts to within 1/4 inch of an outward-facing bud.
Also, prune off thesuckersat the base of the tree.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
This will become one of the main branches for future seasons.
Peach trees are not long-lived.
So planting a new tree every five to six years will ensure you are never without a peach tree.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Training and Pruning Stone Fruit.University of Maryland Extension
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
