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Proper pruning is essential for the plant to grow. Pruning can help the tree produce larger and larger pods. The job is very simple and you will have a good fortune.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Trimming Basics

1. 

   Pruning peaches helps them grow. Pruning may sound counterintuitive, but is actually extremely beneficial in supporting new growth of the peach tree.
   • Pruning helps the tree to release new branches, resulting in more fruit. Therefore, pruning results in a larger crop over time.
   • Peaches need a lot of sunlight, so branches hidden in the shade will not produce much fruit. Pruning them whole will open up more sunlight.
   • It is necessary to remove the dead part of the tree for new branches to grow.
   • If you're going to spray the plant with insecticide, pruning will help the insecticide cover the entire plant.

2. 

   
   
   Know when to prune. The best time to prune peaches is early spring, after the last great cold of winter. Avoid pruning in cold weather, as this may impair the plant's cold tolerance and fruit yield.
   • The best month to trim is usually February, but the time can be adjusted according to the weather in your area.
   • Prune older plants before younger ones to give them time for new growth.
   • Avoid pruning when the plant is flowering or right after the plant is flowering, as this can negatively affect new growth.
   • Prune your peach tree at the time of planting or next spring (if planting in the fall).
   • In the same year, pruning a little late is better than a little early.

3. 

   
   
   Select a pruning tool. There are different pruning tools, each with a different purpose. Use pruning scissors for small branches that are easy to handle, and if necessary use a saw to prune larger branches.
   • Cutting shears of different sizes are on the market and are safer to use than saws. When possible, use them for your trimming work.
   • Be careful when pruning with a saw not to let them etch other branches, as this will allow bacteria and fungus to grow.
   • You can bandage the branches after pruning, but it has been shown that there is little or no effect in stopping fungal growth.

4. 

   
   
   Know how much to prune. When you are pruning branches, it's best to follow the "cat toss" rule. All the branches in the tree should be spaced wide enough for a cat to fling between them without hitting the branch.
   • The total height of the tree should be between 2.4 and 2.7 m when the tree is mature.
   • Start with pruning low to encourage the tree to grow wider, rather than tall.
   • On large, fruiting trees, you should eliminate up to 90% of the growing fruit. A healthy tree produces more fruit than it can bear, and most of the fruit will need to be removed for the best crop.
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Method 2 of 3: Pruning Young Peaches

1. 

   Pruning at planting. As noted above, it is important to initiate plant growth in the right direction by pruning at planting. If you are planting in the fall, wait a few months until next spring before pruning.

2. 

   Prune so that the lowest branch is 38 cm above the ground. The branch should not be taller than the stem, because as the tree matures it will grow very tall.
   • The tallest branch should be about 76 cm above the ground. Prune branches that are too long for this number.
   • Ideally, all branches should grow at a 45-degree angle. If there are no branches close to this measure, prune them all down to a single bud and wait for new branches to grow.

3. 

   Choose main branches in summer. The branch is the largest branch on the tree, starting from the trunk. To start, choose 2-3 main branches, but this number can go up to 4-6 from time to time.
   • The main branch should form a radial pattern from the trunk, with each branch facing a different direction.
   • The main branch will be the place to develop additional branches as the tree matures.

4. 

   Prune branches close to the trunk. You must cut the branches close to the trunk, leaving only a small growth knuckle to prevent stem rot.
   • Prune off branches, or cut at the base of branches in plants less than one year old.
   • Trimming is used to remove parts of the branch, not the entire branch. However, avoid doing this in young plants to prevent root buds and fake shoots from growing near the top of the plant.
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Method 3 of 3: Pruning the Mature Peach Tree

1. 

   Eliminate all dead and sick plants. Any dead or fungal or insect infested branches need to be removed.
   • Cut off the root shoots, the buds that grow near the roots of the plant.
   • Take all dried fruits from the previous year's harvest.
   • Cut off all fake shoots growing at the top of the tree. They are like suckling roots that grow at the tips of branches.

2. 

   Shaping and shaping the peach tree. This is the most important step in pruning, as it is concerned with the plant's optimal form and fruiting. You have to choose 4-6 main branches to shape, and cut off the rest.
   • All the branches you cut should grow at a 45-degree angle. Any horizontal and vertical branches need to be removed, as they are likely to break once the tree starts bearing fruit.
   • Prune the tree in a V-pattern. All branches should have a "V" shape.
   • Cut all the branches intertwined. The interwoven branches will provide shade, which prevents the tree from getting enough sunlight.
   • Eliminate branches that have branches that extend beyond your head. This will make it difficult to pick the fruit.

3. 

   Prune the tree near the base of the branch. You should cut the plant at the same growth angle, about 0.6 cm from the lateral bud.
   • Avoid cutting the branch at an angle that is too steep or too close to the eye at the base of the branch, as this will cause the tree to rot.
   • For branches larger than 2.5 cm in diameter cut three times. The first cut is going up halfway from the bottom. Then cut from the top down an additional 2.5 cm. The weight of the branch will help the branch break easily. Then cut one last time near the neck of the branch.

4. 

   The tree should be airy in the middle, with branches surrounding it like a donut or a necklace when viewed from above. advertisement

Advice

• Never over-prune as this can reduce fruit production and hinder plant growth.
• Perennial plants can only be pruned moderately by pruning the branches and pruning the tops so that the tree does not grow taller but expand.
• Newly planted trees should not prune much.

Things You Need

• Hand or scissors trim
• Trimmer
• Sharp teeth saw
• Ladder