Peach trees definitely need to be pruned regularly so that you can hope for a good harvest. Young peach trees in particular need sharp pruning to stimulate the development of new shoots.
How do you prune a young peach tree?
When pruning a young peach tree, premature shoots should be removed and three to four shoots shortened to a length of three to four eyes. The central shoot can also be shortened significantly to stimulate increased shoot growth and promote earlier fruit formation.
Pruning a peach
Peaches are generally sold as annual, potted grafts. Before you plant your young peach in a suitable location, you should first remove all premature shoots. It is sufficient to leave about three to four shoots on the trunk, although these can also be shortened to a length of three to four eyes. The central shoot can also be shortened significantly. This planting cut is necessary so that the tree is stimulated to increase its shoot growth and therefore grows faster and thus sets fruit earlier. The roots are usually not trimmed; unless they show damage.
The best time for planting
You should plant young trees when it is still warm and will stay warm for a while. Peaches take quite a long time to grow; In addition, the young trees in particular are very sensitive to frost. The best time would be at the end of summer, when the autumn and winter cold is still around two to three months away, or in late spring, as soon as night frosts are no longer expected. Another option would be to simply leave the peach tree in a sufficiently large pot.
Rest phase after planting
After the drastic plant pruning, there is a rest phase in the first year of planting in which the tree can grow and thrive. The next cut is not done until the year after planting. Now you can start building the crown of trees. This is based on just three main branches, from which the individual side branches branch off. However, many peach varieties produce significantly more yields as a bush tree, which is why you need to make precise tree pruning, among other things. should also depend on the variety planted.
The best time for tree trimming
Peaches grow almost exclusively on annual shoots, which is why perennial branches should always be removed - these tend to become bald and also hinder the tree's ventilation. If possible, carry out tree pruning in spring when flowering begins. Peaches develop true and false fruit shoots, which are difficult to distinguish from one another as buds. For older trees, however, autumn pruning may make more sense for prevention reasons. Also for reasons of disease prevention, you should treat larger wound areas with a suitable wound treatment.
Tips & Tricks
Replant your young peach at least once more and use this opportunity to prune the roots. This measure stimulates root growth and thus strengthens the entire tree.
