Summer topping, by mowing the tops or sides of the trees, is used by some growers to reduce pruning costs and maintain tree size. It is better to prune a little late than too early. Pruning peach trees during bloom or shortly after bloom is not ideal, but it will not adversely affect the growth of the tree or the fruit. Even just before bloom, when the flower buds are swollen and pink tissue is showing at the tip of the buds, pruning can make the flower buds less tolerant of frost. Trees that are pruned just before severe cold weather may have poor flower bud survival, dieback of one-year-old shoots, and injured bark on the trunk and major branches. During winter, pruning will reduce the cold tolerance of the tree for about two weeks. Avoid pruning within several days of predicted cold weather. There is a great deal of research information and grower experience to indicate that pruning peach trees in the early winter can reduce their cold-hardiness. Peach trees should not be pruned before February, and young trees should be pruned after mature trees. To partially adjust the crop load before bloom to reduce the amount of fruit that must be removed by post-bloom hand-thinning. To maintain fruiting wood throughout the tree canopy. To maintain an open canopy for adequate penetration of light and pesticides. To maintain the proper balance between vegetative growth and fruit production to obtain high yields of quality fruit each year. To develop a strong framework capable of supporting large crops. Reasons for PruningĪnnual pruning is required for the following reasons: Improper pruning will reduce yield and fruit quality. The successful pruner must understand the principles of plant growth, the natural growth habit of the tree, and how the tree will respond to certain types of pruning cuts.
Although pruning may vary slightly for different varieties and localities, certain general practices should be followed.
Pruning practices vary slightly in different regions of the United States, but have changed little in the East during the past 70 years. However, pruning is not a substitute for other orchard practices such as fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. Annual pruning is a critical management practice for producing easily harvested, heavy crops of high quality peaches.
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