How to Prune New Dwarf Elberta Peach Trees
Dwarf elberta peach trees consistently provide some of the largest, highest quality fruit of all varieties of peach trees. They can grow to a maximum height of 10 feet and maximum width of 15 feet, making them perfect for a sunny backyard spot. In order to encourage fruit production, owners of dwarf elberta peach trees should prune branches at least once a year. After the first time, gardening enthusiasts will discover the process of pruning isn't hard and will yield a bounty of large, juicy fruit. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Prune your newly planted dwarf elberta peach tree to between 20 and 30 inches above ground level. Use garden shears on any limbs with less than a 1/2-inch diameter.
-
2
Identify three or four lateral branches, which will later become the main scaffold branches that will bear fruit. Prune the lowest of those branches to no lower than 15 inches off the ground after you have planted the tree. Use a hacksaw for any limbs larger than 1/2 inch in diameter.
-
-
3
Prune any broken limbs and trim any upward-growing shoots that protrude toward the center of the tree. Cut as closely to the lateral branches as possible. Create an upside-down umbrella appearance with your pruning technique.
-
4
Gather trimmed branches and place on a garden compost pile or dispose of in lawn waste bags.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Cutting branches too early in the year can promote deadly bacterial canker. Wait until early spring after the last freeze but before the tree buds out.
