While clearing space to build a plastic house in our backyard last year, I am not afraid to admit, but I absolutely butchered my poor peach tree in the process. Little did I know, I did it the world of good.
The secret to any successful fruit producing tree is in its pruning. By pruning a peach tree it opens up the branches and allows for the sun to shine on the fruit. This is really important for healthy fruit production, as it turns out.
I’m amazed that in just a few short weeks my peach tree has turned from cherry pink to growing serious, recognizable fruit! Sure they are green and the size of large marbles, but they are prolific.
I did something right, so to ensure that I do it again next winter, I’ve done a bit of research into how you are meant to (intentionally) prune a peach tree.
Main Peach Tree Pruning
This is best to do in winter months when the tree is otherwise dormant.
The centre of the tree needs to be left open, therefore remove any branches growing directly in the centre. Leave approximately five main branches equally balanced around the tree. These ‘fingers’ will be angled at around 45 degrees upwards and be easy to reach. From each main branch will grow younger branches, and this ‘second wood’ as it’s sometimes called, is where the fruit will grow.
Pick your 4-6 main branches. Lop them off at eye-height, clipping any extra growth that stems out beneath it (as this will be in its shade) and above (as these branches will create shading from above). The branches will look pretty barren, but trust yourself – you are doing the right thing!
By keeping the tree low, at eye height, encourages new side growth rather than vertical growth where you may not be able to reach the fruit. Trim off any vertical branches. If you don’t do this, it may grow out of control – literally too high to reach and maintain.
Light Pruning
In late spring/early summer, once you see what fruit is growing, you may wish to do some light pruning. If there are prolific fruit growth, use your common sense to work out if the branch is robust enough to carry the weight of a fully laden fruit! If not, the branch will snap under the weight and you’ll not only lose the fruit but it isn’t good for the tree either. If needed, snip the branch shorter. This will encourage the branch to strengthen.
Harvest Time
Come February/March you are in for a treat. Beautiful golden peaches will be plump and ready for the picking! Be sure to harvest before the birds get them.
If you have too many than you can eat fresh, remember peaches make fabulous jam and relish, plus you can preserve them by slicing and freezing in a light sugar syrup — to make Roast Fruit Crumble in winter!
March 29, 2018
How to stop peach curl with which all the fruit gets infected and drops.
The pruning method is not very clear, what an angle to be used for pruning and in which month in New Zealand.
March 29, 2018
Hi Suraj, thanks for your message. It was ‘my first time’ and was very pleased with the results. To answer your question (although I am not a trained tree pruner): “Fruit trees can be pruned both in summer and winter. Winter pruning is generally best done in July through August, and should be done before the buds begin to swell too much. Summer pruning happens after the tree has finished fruiting (so depending on the variety this may actually be early autumn), and there are a few advantages over winter pruning. Cuts should be made at a 45° angle sloped away from the bud. The lower end of your cut should end opposite the bud.” say the helpful folk at Kings Plant Barn.