How to Prune an Old Peach Tree

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How To Prune An Old Peach Tree

            My Peach Tree is about eight years old, because of that, I needed to prune it differently than a young tree.  All but one branch is gone, now, and I was afraid that I would kill the rest of the tree if I pruned it, now, in early March.  The branch that is still growing is loaded with beautiful dark pink blooms.  I have decided to go ahead at this time of year and cut out the crown of the peach tree.  The tree has never been shaped, so hopefully, it will continue to produce fruit for at least a few more years.  Peach trees do not live as long as other fruit trees.  

            Younger peach trees are easier to prune to produce new growth, but an older peach tree can be pruned and will produce fruit. Focus on shaping it into a bowl shape with three to four branches shaping it. Prune the older peach tree in the springtime when you can see the blooms.

Step 1

Prune any growth in between the 3 to 4 large branches that create the bowl shape. Also remove any dead, diseased or broken branches hanging off. If the old peach tree hasn’t been shaped, use a pruning saw because the branches will be thick and strong.

Step 2

Prune back any branches that are growing outwards, sticking out of the tree at odd angles. These will break under the weight of fruit. Leave 4 to 5 thick branches that grow off of each of the 3 to 4 trunks that form the bowl shape, if possible.

Step 3

Prune smaller shoots of the branches once you have shaped it with the shears. Trim off any branches that grow outside the shape. This encourages fruit production and a healthy peach tree.

Step 4

Repeat this pruning process early every spring.

This information can be found: How to Prune Old Peach Trees | Garden Guideshttp://www.gardenguides.com/