Learn / Ask The Landscape Professional
I liked your article on apple and pear trees, but what about peaches?
Answer
DON'T TOUCH PEACH TREES YET!
Peaches are much different than apple and pear trees because they
actually have too much vigor which can cause the tree to put out lots
of vegetative growth and minimal fruit. To avoid this, peaches must be
pruned in the early spring as the sap starts to flow. Spring pruning will
also help keep the trees to a manageable size so they don't become an
overwhelming mess. So apple and pear trees should be pruned now and
peaches in a few months.
Pruning is a very important process in maintaining any tree's health.
When dead, diseased and rubbing branches are removed, the tree is
protected from injuries that would allow disease to enter the tree. With
fruit trees it is even more important because without maintenance they
can become large, entangled, gnarly messes which block both light and
air. Light penetration into the fruit tree is essential for bud break, meaning
blossoms that later turn into fruit and vegetative buds that create new
growth. Light also helps in fruit ripening. Air circulation helps keep the
tree healthy by reducing the dampness on the interior of the tree and
reducing the possibilities of fungal disease problems. When fruit is present,
thinning of the fruit is important because too much fruit can cause
broken limbs and small fruit
Remember - only use a CT Licensed Arborist to prune - it's
Connecticut State law. Call us - we have a fully trained
staff and licensed arborist.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
