Peach trees should be pruned annually. If they are not pruned, the trees may become weak and open to disease and insects.
The best time to prune peach trees is late March or early April. Avoid pruning within several days of predicted freezing weather. It’s OK to prune peach trees while they are blooming. It will not affect the production of fruit.
The main reasons for pruning peach trees:
To strengthen the tree.
To maintain an open center for adequate sunlight for fruit production.
To remove broken or diseased limbs.
To maintain tree height.
To keep the tree from having too many small fruits.
Remove all suckers and water sprouts growing at the base of the tree. When you are selecting a site for peach trees:
Avoid poorly drained soil.
Pick areas that receive full sunlight.
Avoid areas shaded by tall trees, houses or other buildings.
Young peach trees are normally shipped bare root, with the roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Plant the trees as soon as possible after you receive them. When you are planting, dig a hole twice the size of the root system. Cut off any damaged roots at the point of injury. After you have filled the hole, be sure to water the plant well.
Most peach trees grow best at a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A soil test can determine this.
E-mail your gardening questions to bleigh1@utk.edu and I will answer them in future columns. Include your name and the area where you live. For more gardening information, call the Tipton County Extension office at (901)476-0231 or the Shelby County Extension office at (901)752-1207. Booker T. Leigh is extension director.
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