Summer peach pruning and how to do it right

The peach tree is one of the most widespread in the Kuban, Crimea and other southern regions of Russia. It has an interesting feature - different ripening times depending on the variety. Thus, many summer residents strive to get fresh peaches from mid-summer to mid-autumn.

Is it possible to perform pruning and why should it be done?

There are no particular difficulties in growing this tree - even a beginner gardener can cope with this. However, it is very important to remember the need for timely and correct shaping of the peach. This procedure allows you to get a bountiful and high-quality harvest, so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all its features and nuances.

Peach

Pruning peaches in summer, spring or fall is optional. The tree will grow without it, however, in this case, you can forget about getting a good, tasty harvest. That is why experienced gardeners recommend crown formation. This should be done under certain conditions.

Summer peach shaping

Summer pruning is all about increasing the number of fruits on the tree and extending its lifespan. After the procedure, all the useful elements received through the root system begin to be more evenly distributed among the branches.

Why prune in the fall

The main purpose of autumn pruning is to prepare the crop for the onset of cold weather. In order for her to survive the winter, the procedure must be followed correctly.

Such pruning consists in the removal of all dried, diseased, old and thin shoots, as well as those on which traces of the presence of insects are noticeable. And if in the south, where the winters are not too cold, you can still do without autumn pruning, then when growing a peach in the middle lane, it must be done.

Optimal timing for the procedure

Before you prune a peach, you need to know the most appropriate timing for this. Depending on the season, it is recommended to perform the procedure at the following times:

• Spring pruning. It is carried out with the onset of a stable temperature not lower than +5 ° С. Most often it is April, but the exact month depends on the growing region. It is very important to pay attention to the fact that the formation must be completed 20-25 days before the beginning of flowering.
• Summer pruning. Basically it is performed in several stages. The first begins at the end of May, the second in July, and the third in August. It is worth remembering that the seedlings do not need to be pruned in summer.
• Autumn pruning. Pruning in the fall is only necessary after the entire crop has been harvested. If done correctly, the tree will be prepared for wintering and will survive it without any problems.

What tools are needed

The choice of tools must be approached carefully. If this is not done, then you can harm the plant. All tools must be disinfected and sharpened before starting work.Every gardener should have a set consisting of the following items:

• secateurs;
• lopper;
• garden saw;
• garden knife-scissors for wood.

Set of tools

Pruning by years

Knowing how to shape a peach is essential immediately after planting it. The seedlings are pinched to a height of about 60 cm to give the crown the shape of a bowl. This is done before they reach the age of two. The first main branches are cut to a height of 40 cm from ground level. In each of them, the upper kidney should be on the outside.

Pruning a mature tree can vary in character. Depending on the goal, it can be:

• Sanitary, with the removal of all damaged areas.
• Normalizing. This scheme is the most difficult for beginners. It is necessary for the formation of new shoots.
• Formative. Leveling the crown of the tree and removing too large branches.

Types of pruning

There are several ways to prune a peach in summer, spring or fall. Among the most common are the following:

• Regulatory. Held at any suitable time. Allows to increase fruiting. When carrying out it, you need to remove all old shoots without peaches and those on which a lot of fruits grow.
• Formative. Needed to give the tree the correct shape. To do this, you will have to cut off all the old and too long shoots.
• Anti-aging. Aimed at tree rejuvenation. Its essence lies in the removal of all dried and diseased branches, as well as those that begin to grow inside the crown. In addition, shoots with a large number of ovaries are removed in order to avoid their sagging under the weight of the fruit.
• Recovery. Performed to prepare the plant for wintering. For this, all weak, dry and diseased shoots are removed, and the fruiting branches are shortened.
• Fan. Such pruning is done when you want to grow a plant against a wall or on a trellis with slats attached to it. Here, in the first year, the main branches are formed, and then the rest are cut from them with a fan every year.
• American. In the beginning, extra flowers are plucked. When the ovaries appear, the smallest ones are removed. Then, after a couple of weeks, the procedure is repeated. So it turns out to form branches with the same number of fruits, each of which has enough light and nutritious energy.

Fan-cut pattern

Further care of the plant

Despite the pickiness of the peach, after pruning it needs additional care. For this, it is imperative to process each cut.

Garden putty is ideal. Also, do not forget about preventive treatment. It is carried out with a 3% solution of copper sulfate, but 1% bordeaux liquid can also be used. This helps protect wounds from the effects of fungal diseases. Do not forget about regular watering, weeding and feeding the tree.

What will happen if you do not follow this procedure

If you do not prune, the following may happen:

• the tree will be weak and too branchy;
• peaches will be small and not sweet;
• the risk of pests and diseases increases.

Peach can get sick without pruning

Possible mistakes

The most common mistakes are:

• pruning during fruiting;
• pruning young plants - a peach up to two years old can only be pinched;
• over-shortening of healthy branches.

Helpful Tips for Pruning

To know how to cut a peach properly, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the basic tips:

• In the spring, before starting the procedure, it is necessary to inspect the tree for the presence of frozen shoots.
• Formation must be done, taking into account the growing region.
• The preparation of the tool affects the correct cutting performance.

By following all these tips, you can get a beautiful tree that gives a bountiful harvest.