Peach trees are quite demanding plants in terms of care and location. They need to be cut regularly, otherwise there will be no yield. Their roots are quite sensitive, which is why most grafted peaches do not thrive on an original peach root.
What are the roots of a peach tree like?
Peach tree roots extend about as wide as the tree crown, are neither deep nor shallow and are mainly located at a depth of one meter in older trees. Transplanting, root pruning and container keeping are methods to care for the peach tree.
Transplant young peaches at least once
Peaches are usually planted as grafted trees about one year old. However, in order to stimulate root growth, it may make sense to move young peaches at least once and carry out root pruning. This measure works in a very similar way to annual pruning because you remove dead and diseased roots. When digging up the tree, however, you should be careful not to damage the roots and also to catch all of the roots. As a rule of thumb, the peach roots are about as wide as the treetop. Peaches are neither deep nor shallow rooters, but develop in both directions. Most roots - especially in older trees - can be found at a depth of around one meter.
Do not transplant older peaches
What is good for young peaches can be fatal for older trees. Because peaches have very branched roots, if you transplant a perennial tree you will most likely unintentionally cut off a lot of the roots and seriously injure the tree. For this reason, older trees should simply remain where they are.
Keeping peaches in the pot
In rather unfavorable locations, it can make sense to keep peaches in a bucket. This means the plants remain mobile and can be easily moved if conditions deteriorate. Keeping them in containers also makes it easier for sensitive varieties to overwinter. Dwarf and small peaches such as the Bonanza variety are particularly suitable.
Tips & Tricks
You can refine peaches well on local stone fruit varieties such as plums or cherries. This makes the plant more robust and survives the winter better. Only genuine varieties usually remain as rootless trees.
