How to Prune California Peach & Nectarine Trees

Pruning peach and nectarine trees promotes good health.

Spring is the ideal time for pruning peach and nectarine trees in California. By pruning during this time -- when new growth and buds start appearing -- you will promote healthy and abundant fruit production as well as overall tree health. Before you start cutting, however, form a plan for the way you will prune the trees so that you don't cut away too many healthy limbs and inhibit growth.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Pruning saw

Instructions

1. Inspect the trees and make a plan for how you want to prune them. Look for dead, diseased or dying limbs, new growth that may interfere with fruit production and branches that cross over one another. Look for limbs that fall into more than one category and plan to trim those first.

2. Prune away any diseased, dying or dead branches. These stand out due to their flaky, dry bark and hollow texture. They are unlikely to have any foliage growing from them. Cut these limbs where they meet the healthy parts of the tree. Use pruning shears for thin limbs or a pruning saw for thicker limbs.

3. Prune any branches that rub against each other. Before you start trimming these branches, determine which limb is weaker. If one exhibits new growth or has more buds on it, trim the other branch.

4. Cut back any new growth that may interfere with fruit production. Look for new shoots or limbs that cast shadows over buds. When the tree starts to produce fruit, these shoots and limbs will prevent sun from reaching the fruit and interfere with maturation.

5. Clean up fallen foliage and limbs when you finish pruning. If left behind, they can attract pests and fungal infections.

References

• Washington State University Extension: Pruning Peaches and Nectarines
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Pruning Peaches and Nectarines
• NC Cooperative Extension: How to Prune Peach Trees