How to prune a peach tree in one year

Pruning is very important during the growth process of peach trees. The pruning methods vary depending on the variety, age, terrain, tree vigor, fruit load, etc. So how do you prune a peach tree in a year? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Preparation before pruning

1. Tool preparation: Prepare pruning tools, such as scissors , saws, etc., and make sure the tools are sharp to reduce damage to the tree.

2. Observe the tree shape: Carefully observe the natural growth state of the peach tree and understand the tree structure in order to formulate a reasonable pruning plan.

3. Tree shape requirements: The trunk height of the natural open-heart shaped peach tree is 30-40 cm, the shaping zone is 15-20 cm, and there are three main branches scattered in the shaping zone, with the main branches at an elevation angle of 45°-50°. Each main branch has three side branches.

2. Pruning steps

1. Select the main branch

Select the position: Choose branches with strong growth, reasonable direction and moderate angle as the main branches.

Cutting length: The main branch should be cut to about 70 cm in length, with outer buds left at the cut end, weak branches left long, and strong branches left short, to keep the tree balanced.

2. Prune side branches

Select side branches: Select strong and moderately angled branches from the main branches as side branches.

Cutting length: The cutting length of side branches is shorter than that of main branches, about 60 cm, and the cut buds are generally left outside.

Branching angle: Ensure that the branching angle between the side branches and the main branches is about 60 degrees, extending obliquely outward.

3. Processing auxiliary branches

Select auxiliary branches: Keep an appropriate amount of auxiliary branches on the main branches to ensure the growth of the main branches.

Pruning method: Control the growth of auxiliary branches by cutting back to avoid competing with the main branches for nutrients.

4. Remove useless branches

Remove the back branches: The back branches grow vigorously and easily affect light and ventilation, so they should be removed in time.

Remove overgrown branches: Unusable overgrown branches should also be removed to reduce nutrient consumption.

Thinning out overcrowded branches: For branches that grow too densely, they should be properly thinned out to improve ventilation and light conditions within the crown.

3. Management after pruning

1. Wound treatment: For larger pruning wounds, a healing agent should be applied to promote wound healing and prevent bacterial infection.

2. Fertilization and watering: Fertilization and watering should be done in time after pruning to replenish nutrients and water to the tree and promote the growth of new shoots.

3. Pest and disease control : Strengthen pest and disease control to ensure the healthy growth of peach trees.

The above is a graphic introduction to how to prune a one-year-old peach tree. Pruning a one-year-old peach tree in the winter of the first year includes thinning out overgrown branches and upright branches. Thinning should be thorough, leaving no stumps. Cut back the main branches, extension branches and side branches as required. The side shoots can be retained at the appropriate angle and orientation to serve as extension branches of the main branches, and can be cut at full buds.