Pruning a young Peach tree...need direction

[huntsman]

I planted a 3' peach tree late last Autumn (Fall) and this year it has taken off like a rocket.

So much so, that I am lead instinctively to prune many of the lower branches off, so that the tree receives more air and the remaining branches each become stronger. Am I on the right track?

I have never pruned a peach before, so have no idea where and when to prune, but it's 6' now and has about 50 branches going in every direction, including down.

Our Summer has just begun, btw...

Any tips and advice are very welcome.

[Keiththibodeaux]

First decision is are you pruning for looks or production and harvest. I know saying both is easy, but you will need to decide on one or the other.

[huntsman]

Both, to be honest....

If I had to choose, I would have to say production, though.

[Keiththibodeaux]

For production pay attention to crotch angles and keep the tree within reasonable harvest height, which means removing the central leader at some point. Those two items don't generally make for the best looking tree or natural looking tree, but they do make sure you can harvest what you grow. I have several books, but am looking for something online with illustrations to point you to.

[huntsman]

That's great, thanks !

[Keiththibodeaux]

Here we go. Good illustration.

http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/hort2/c631.pdf

Warning, it will break your heart doing this to your tree. I know.

[Worth1]

In this case a picture is worth a 1000 words just I would suggest Google peach tree pruning.

I could tell you how to do it but as I said it would take a 1000 words.

What kind of peach is it.



Worth

[PaulF]

My peach trees need to be pruned. I am one who has a hard time giving them the drastic pruning they need, but it is going to be done this year no matter how much those trees scream.

[huntsman]

Originally Posted by Keiththibodeaux

Here we go. Good illustration.

http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/hort2/c631.pdf

Warning, it will break your heart doing this to your tree. I know.

lol!

Hopefully it will not be too bad as the tree is still very young, but I'll take a look at that link now - thanks again! (This forum always manages to assist where it can)

[clkeiper]

Follow the instructions and don't be afraid to prune them hard. They quickly recover and out grow the pruning. After they bloom and set fruit keep any leaves and dropped fruit picked up and thrown away. Here they need sprayed continuously in order to have a harvest. If you need to spray there, keep a schedule and do it, in order to get a crop.

[Worth1]

I have seen or should I say see trees with huge stumps and limbs on them with little branches from where they grew back out.

Three pruning is a way of life for a healthy orchard.

The fruit comes out on last years growth so remember a heavy pruning will cause you to not get fruit from that limb this year.
I think I got that right.

Worth