How to Prune Peach Trees

The peach tree is a fruit-bearing deciduous tree related to the almond tree. White peaches grow in Asia, while reddish-orange peaches grow in Europe and the United States. Peach trees prefer a temperate climate that gets neither too hot or too cold. It is very important to prune a peach tree regularly, or they are at risk for disease and a shortened lifespan. Leaf curl is one disease to watch out for when growing peach trees, as it affects the amount of fruit that will grow on the tree. Peaches can be frozen or made into preserves, so it is a great fruit-bearing tree to grow in residential areas as a hobby. Start pruning your peach tree in early spring, when you see small, pink buds start to form on your tree.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gardening gloves
• Goggles
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Baseball cap or other hat
• Pruning shears (manual or electric)

1. Remove any gray, unhealthy-looking branches from the tree. This includes around the tree, at the base and in the foliage itself. Wear gardening gloves, goggles, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat to serve as protective gear.

2. Strip any growth around the root area of the tree. It will make it easier for the tree to get water and nutrients from the soil if the roots are accessible.

3. Remove any chutes growing on the tree that are over seven feet tall, unless they are fruit-bearing. Use pruning shears to cut through difficult branches. Try to trim branches so they point upward instead of branches that point out at a 90-degree angle from the tree trunk.

4. Prune any branches that grow toward the tree. Any loose or tangled branches will probably not bear fruit, so carefully trim them away from the tree trunk.

5. Remove any branches from around the area of the tree that may have fallen. Anything old-looking or gray can be removed from the tree with pruning shears. Don't worry about pruning too much. You should have pruned about 40% of the tree away when you are done.

Tips & Warnings

• Pruning should be done once a year to promote healthy growth and delicious fruit.
• Prune trees with a partner to prevent injury.
• Always wear protective gear when pruning a peach tree.