So, you planted a peach tree in your backyard hoping one day it will bear fruit. But…turns out…it isn’t that simple.
Unfortunately, you also need to care for the tree and prune it occasionally to maximize growth and longevity. Yeah…quite the pain in the ###.
Lucky for you, however, pruning your tree wouldn’t be that difficult since you came across this article just in time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you should prune your peach tree for healthy and even growth!
Step By Step Walkthrough – How to Prune a Peach Tree
Step 1:
Okay, I know what you might be thinking – let’s get into it, right? Let’s chop off some dead branches and get the job done? But…no…WAIT!
Before you go on chopping off branches that only “seem” dead and diseased to you, it’s important to take a good look at the tree and assess if there are any weak or damaged areas first. If there aren’t, stand down!
Don’t make the mistake of pruning only for the sake of pruning!
Step 2:
If there are actual weak or diseased limbs in the tree, start by getting rid of them through decently meaningful cuts. This means your cuts are neither too close nor too far from the bud and just where the compromised limb is no more.
Dry branches are also of no use, so don’t be hesitant to chop them off while you’re at it.
Step 3:
Certain trees like the peach tree tend to produce many thin and weak branches that bunch up in the inner structure of the tree. This not only blocks sunlight from reaching certain areas but also air circulation that’s essential for the tree’s survival.
If the choking is bad enough, it may be the end of your lovely tree.
Therefore, keep an eye on overly thick and crowded areas within the tree. Thin them out if they seem to be interfering with the overall circulation.
Step 4:
Something important to keep in mind regarding peach trees is that they will benefit from open-center pruning, meaning all unnecessary branches near the centermost stem are removed to allow sunlight to penetrate better.
Unproductive branches must also be cut off to encourage new growth. It may sound like a lot of work but, if you wish to enjoy fruit for the next 12 years consistently, it’s certainly worth it.
Step 5:
Once you’re done with the majority of the pruning, take a step back and evaluate the tree in its entirety from a distance. If any stray unproductive limbs stick out, chop them off and bring down the tree to a reasonable size from all angles.
Balance will ensure that the health and aesthetics of your tree are on point.
Some Aftercare Tips For The Tree’s Maintenance & Longevity
Now, you may be wondering, “Work is done. Time to grab a drink and wait while the tree magically bears fruit” Well…not so fast.
Take the example of a good clean shave. When you shave, some aftercare like applying a balm or moisturizer not only feels good but is also quite necessary to prevent dry skin and irritation.
After pruning a tree, it’s important to:
So, let’s finish…
Learning to prune your peach tree (or any tree for that matter) can seem daunting and complex. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Just knowing when, where, and how to make the right cuts is enough to get the job done. And, ah, yes, some maintenance will also be appreciated.
After some pruning, your peach tree can thrive, look visually pleasing, and produce tons of fresh delectable fruit for you to devour!
